Curtiss Model N

The Curtiss Model N was an early American biplane built by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company beginning in 1915. Originally conceived as a two‑seat trainer and reconnaissance platform, the aircraft featured a wooden framework covered with fabric, equal‑span staggered wings, and a pusher‑type Curtiss OX‑5 V‑8 engine delivering about 150 horsepower. Its simple, rugged construction allowed rapid production; more than 400 examples were delivered to the United States Army Signal Corps, the Navy, and foreign users such as the Royal Flying Corps. A notable variant, the Model N‑2, could be fitted with pontoons for water operations, making it one of the first successful seaplanes in the U.S. inventory. The Model N’s straightforward controls and forgiving flight characteristics made it an ideal elementary trainer, helping to prepare the first generation of World War I pilots. Its service with the Navy also contributed to early experiments in ship‑borne aviation, laying groundwork for later carrier aircraft. Although quickly eclipsed by more powerful designs, the Curtiss Model N remains a milestone in the transition from experimental flyers to practical military aircraft. Today, reproductions of the Model N appear at vintage airshows, demonstrating its lasting legacy.