The Vought VE-7 Bluebird was an early biplane of the United States.
First flying in 1917, it was designed as a two-seat trainer for the United States Army, then adopted by the United States Navy as its first fighter aircraft.
In 1922, a VE-7 became the first airplane to take off from an American aircraft carrier.
Variants
VE-7 (1918)
14 built for the U.S. Army Air Service; 39 built for the U.S. Navy; (one of two known, built at McCook Field. Reportedly four more were built by Springfield Co)
VE-7F (1921)
29 built for the U.S. Navy
VE-7G (1921)
One converted from VE-7 for U.S. Marine Corps, 23 converted from VE-7 for U.S. Navy
VE-7GF (1921)
One converted from VE-7
VE-7H (1924)
Nine observation seaplanes built for the U.S. Navy
VE-7S (1925)
One converted from VE-7
VE-7SF (1925)
11 built for the U.S. Navy
VE-7SH
One VE-7SF converted into a floatplane.
VE-8 (1918)
Four ordered by the U.S. Army on October 11, 1918; two were cancelled; 340 hp Wright-Hispano H engine installed, two Vickers guns, wingspan decreased to 31 ft (9.4 m), wing area increased to 307 sq ft (28.5 m2), shortened to 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m), speed increased to 140 mph (230 km/h), loaded weight increased to 2,435 lb (1,104 kg)
VE-9 (1921)
Two converted from VE-7 for U.S. Army; speed increased to 119 mph (192 km/h), service ceiling increased to 18,840 ft (5,740 m)
VE-9 (1927)
22 built for the U.S. Army, 17 built for the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Army used same designation as U.S. Navy)
VE-9H (1927)
Four unarmed observation float seaplanes built for the U.S. Navy battleships, modified vertical tail surfaces for improved catapult and water stability
