Curtiss Autoplane
Curtiss Autoplane | |
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Autoplane as shown at Pan-Arnerican Aeronautical Exposition of 1917 | |
Role | Roadable aircraft |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Curtiss |
Designer | Glenn Curtiss |
The Curtiss Autoplane, invented by Glenn Curtiss in 1917, is widely considered the first attempt to build a roadable aircraft.[1] Although the vehicle was capable of lifting off the ground, it never achieved full flight.[2]
Contents
Development and design
The Autoplane was a triplane, using the wings from a Curtiss Model L trainer, with a small foreplane mounted on the aircraft's nose.[3] The Autoplane's aluminum body resembled a Model T and had three seats in an enclosed cabin, with the pilot/chauffeur sitting in the front seat and the two passengers side-by side to the rear.[4] It used a four-blade pusher propeller, and a twin-boom tail. A 100 horsepower (75 kW) Curtiss OXX engine drove the propeller via shaft and belts.[5][6] The aircraft had a four-wheel undercarriage, with the front two wheels being steerable. The wings and tail could be detached for use as an automobile.[7][8]
It was shown at the Pan-American Aeronautic Exposition at New York in February 1917. It made a few short hops before the entry of the United States into World War I in April 1917 ended development of the Autoplane.[9]
Specifications
Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[9]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Length: 27 ft (8.2 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
- Height: 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OXX water-cooled V8 engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 65 mph (105 km/h; 56 kn)
References
Citations
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Bibliography
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External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Curtiss Autoplane. |
- Glenn H. Curtiss: Autoplane, patent filed February 14, 1917; issued February 18, 1919
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- ↑ Bowers 1979, p. 75.
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- ↑ Bowers 1979, p. 76.
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- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Bowers 1979, pp. 75–76.