Verville-Sperry M-1 Messenger – Photos & Video

The Sperry Messenger was an American single-seat biplane designed by Alfred V. Verville working for the Engineering Division of the United States Army Air Service (USAAS) and built under contract by Sperry Aircraft Company of Farmingdale, New York. The aircraft was later designated the M-1 and MAT by the USAAS. Sperry produced approximately 50 Messengers and the civilian two-seat version, the Sport Plane, between 1920 and 1926. The aircraft was the first to make contact between an airplane and an airship while in flight.

Source: Verville-Sperry M-1 Messenger on Wikipedia

The Verville-Sperry M-1 Messenger was a small and simple biplane that was designed for communication and experimentation purposes by the United States Army Air Service in the early 1920s. It was powered by a 60 hp Lawrance L-4 radial engine and had a top speed of 96.7 mph. The aircraft was built by the Sperry Aircraft Company, founded by Lawrence Sperry, who was also known for his inventions of the autopilot and the aerial torpedo. The M-1 Messenger was used for various tests and demonstrations, such as hooking on to an airship in flight, landing on the steps of the Capitol building, and flying across the English Channel. The aircraft was also modified into a two-seat civilian version called the Sperry Sport Plane. The M-1 Messenger was one of the first examples of a light and versatile aircraft that could be used for multiple roles and missions.