Curtiss R
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1915 · light aircraft
The Curtiss R was a family of two-seat biplane aircraft produced by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company from 1915, used primarily for training and observation duties by the US Army and Navy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.43 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early Curtiss biplane reconnaissance or trainer type
- Tractor engine in standard two-bay biplane cellule
- Fixed undercarriage with wire bracing
Standard two-bay tractor biplane of the World War I era, distinguishable from contemporaries by Curtiss's characteristic equal-span wings and the V-8 or V-12 water-cooled engine with exposed cylinder banks.
Specifications
- The Curtiss R has a length of 7.43 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 138 km/h (86 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Curtiss R series encompassed several sub-variants powered by different Curtiss V-type water-cooled engines; they were among the more capable American aircraft available when the US entered World War I in 1917.
Variants
Multiple engine and role variants existed within the R family, including R-2, R-3, R-4, R-6, and R-9 sub-types differing in powerplant and equipment.
Where you'll see it
Used by the US Army Signal Corps and US Navy for training and patrol duties; some exported to the United Kingdom for Royal Naval Air Service evaluation.
Related aircraft
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