Curtiss Model E
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1911 · light aircraft
The Curtiss Model E was an early aircraft developed by Glenn Curtiss in the United States in 1911.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.74 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Cruciform |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Open-framework two-bay biplane with unstaggered wings of equal span
- Large ailerons mounted between the wings
- Seaplane version with a large central pontoon and outriggers under the wings
Most examples followed the "headless" Model D pattern, with elevators and horizontal stabiliser carried together in a cruciform tail unit.
Specifications
- The Curtiss Model E has a length of 8.74 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 68 km/h (42 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was a refined and enlarged version of the later "headless" Model D, and first flew on 25 February 1911. Variants made important steps in the development of seaplanes and flying boats in America.
Variants
As a landplane it had a tricycle undercarriage; as a seaplane it had a large central pontoon. The Triad amphibian version lost 5 knots of airspeed from the extra weight and drag and needed a more powerful 75 hp V8 to keep up.
Where you'll see it
The US Navy bought a $4,400 Model E-8-75 floatplane that became its first aircraft, the A-1, on 8 May 1911. Theodore Ellyson became the Navy's first pilot when he took off from Keuka Lake.
Related aircraft
- Curtiss Model D
- Curtiss No. 1
- Curtiss C-1 Canada
- Curtiss JN-4
- A Vlaicu II
- Avro Type D
- Baldwin Red Devil
- Blackburn Mercury
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