Theodore Gordon Ellyson
Commander Theodore Gordon "Spuds" Ellyson (* 27. February 1885 ; † 27. February 1928 ) was the first US Navy - officer , which was officially formed as a pilot.
Life
The US Navy ordered Ellyson on December 23, 1910 for flight training at the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp on North Island, San Diego . Ellyson arrived at camp in January 1911. After thorough briefing on the Curtiss A-1 , Ellyson flew for the first time on March 31st . The A-1 Triad became the first aircraft in the US Navy and was designated US Navy Airplane No.1 . On July 1, 1911, the plane was flown by Glenn Curtiss with Ellyson as a passenger from Lake Keuka . Ellyson flew the plane alone twice that evening.
On July 3, Ellyson made the US Navy's first night flight from Lake Keuka to Hammondsport , New York . Curtiss then transferred the second machine, the A-2 . On September 7th, Ellyson flew off a makeshift launch pad on Lake Keuka. The successful tests should simulate take-offs from flight decks . On October 25, Ellyson and Lieutenant JH Towers flew an overland flight 180 km in 122 minutes.
The US Navy then experimented with compressed air aircraft catapults in Annapolis . The attempt on July 31, 1912 with Ellyson failed, however. A cross wind pushed the machine into the water and Ellyson was able to save himself swimming unharmed.
Ellyson received the Navy Cross for his accomplishments . He later switched to the then new submarine class. Ellyson died in a plane crash over Chesapeake Bay .
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Ellyson, Theodore Gordon |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Ellyson, Spuds |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American pilot |
| DATE OF BIRTH | February 27, 1885 |
| DATE OF DEATH | February 27, 1928 |