Curtiss No. 1
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1909 · light aircraft
The Curtiss No. 1 was one of Glenn Curtiss's earliest aircraft designs, built around 1908 as part of the Aerial Experiment Association era. It represents a pivotal step in early American aviation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | No enclosed fuselage — pilot seated in the open |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pioneer open-framework biplane of 1908
- Pusher or tractor piston engine on minimal airframe
- No enclosed fuselage — pilot seated in the open
Recognised by its open-framework biplane construction, pusher or tractor engine installation, and minimal structure typical of pioneer-era aircraft from 1908.
Specifications
- The Curtiss No. 1 has a length of 9.25 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.76 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 72 km/h (45 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Glenn Curtiss developed a series of early biplanes in 1908-1909, building on the work of the Aerial Experiment Association. These aircraft used pusher or tractor engines on open lattice frames and demonstrated the viability of controlled powered flight beyond the Wright brothers' designs. The No. 1 designation reflects the early experimental numbering of Curtiss's aircraft.
Variants
Curtiss produced numerous variants and successor designs in rapid succession during 1908-1910 as understanding of flight controls improved.
Where you'll see it
These early Curtiss aircraft were used for demonstration flights and competitions rather than regular service, helping establish Curtiss as a leading American aircraft manufacturer.
Related aircraft
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