N2C-1 Fledgling

The Curtiss N2C‑1 Fledgling was a two‑seat biplane trainer built for the United States Navy in the early 1920s. Developed from the earlier Curtiss Model J, the N2C‑1 first flew in 1923 and entered service as the Navy’s primary elementary flight trainer, designated the “Fledgling” to reflect its role in teaching novice pilots the fundamentals of flight. Powered by a 200‑horsepower Wright R‑975 radial engine, the aircraft featured a welded steel tube fuselage, wooden wing ribs, and fabric covering, providing a sturdy yet lightweight structure. Its dual‑control cockpit allowed instructor and student to share the controls, while the large, interchangeable ailerons and generous wing area gave forgiving handling characteristics ideal for low‑speed instruction. The Fledgling’s short landing gear and robust undercarriage enabled operations from both land bases and seaplane ramps when equipped with floats. Though only a few dozen were produced, the N2C‑1 played a pivotal role in shaping early naval aviation training doctrines, supplying a reliable platform that helped transition pilots from basic trainers to the more powerful combat aircraft of the interwar period. Its legacy endures as a symbol of the Navy’s commitment to systematic pilot development.

Curtiss

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