Aeromarine 75 (Felixstowe F5L)
The Aeromarine 75 or Felixstowe F5L was a military flying boat manufactured during WW1 and first flown on 15 July 1918.
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Curtiss-Wright Corporation, originally known as Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, was one of the most influential American aircraft manufacturers, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.
Curtiss was founded in 1909 by Glenn Curtiss 🔗, a former motorcycle racer and aviation pioneer. He was known for developing powerful engines and pioneering aircraft designs, including the early development of seaplanes and flying boats. Curtiss’ company became one of the first major aircraft manufacturers in the United States, competing with other pioneers like the Wright brothers.
During World War I, Curtiss aircraft became essential to the U.S. and its allies. One of the most famous Curtiss designs of this period was the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, a biplane widely used for training pilots. After the war, the “Jenny” became one of the most famous aircraft in American aviation and was instrumental in barnstorming and early civil aviation.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Curtiss continued to produce military and civilian aircraft. The company expanded its operations by merging with Wright Aeronautical in 1929 to form Curtiss-Wright Corporation, which specialized in both aircraft and engines. This merger allowed Curtiss-Wright to become one of the largest aerospace companies in the U.S.
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Curtiss-Wright still exists today, though it no longer manufactures complete aircraft. Instead, the company has diversified into a wide range of technologies, focusing on aerospace components, defense systems, and other high-tech engineering solutions. Here’s the list of Curtiss aircraft from all time periods:
The Aeromarine 75 or Felixstowe F5L was a military flying boat manufactured during WW1 and first flown on 15 July 1918.
The Curtiss XF15C was an American mixed-propulsion fighter prototype aircraft of which only three were constructed during World War II.
The Curtiss XP-46 was an American prototype fighter aircraft development of the Curtiss-Wright Corporation during World War II.
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-engine, single-seat fighter and ground attack aircraft used during World War II.
The Curtiss P-36 Hawk (or Model 75) was an American fighter aircraft used extensively by the French Air Force during World War II.
The Curtiss C-1 Canada was a Canadian twin-engined bomber aircraft designed by Curtiss and used during the First World War.
The Curtiss JN Jenny was an American biplane built by Curtiss Aeroplane Company and originally produced as a training aircraft.
Curtiss-Wright’s most significant period of production was during World War II, when it became a key supplier of aircraft for the Allied war effort. Several of its aircraft became iconic, particularly in the Pacific Theater of the war:
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk:
The P-40 was one of the most important American fighter aircraft in the early years of World War II. It was known for its durability and was used extensively in the Pacific, North Africa, and China. The P-40 gained fame as the aircraft flown by the “Flying Tigers,” an American volunteer group aiding China against Japan before the U.S. officially entered the war. Though it wasn’t as fast or maneuverable as some of its contemporaries, the P-40 excelled at ground attack and bomber escort missions.
Curtiss C-46 Commando:
The C-46 was a large twin-engine transport aircraft used extensively for cargo transport, especially in the challenging environments of the Pacific and China-Burma-India (CBI) theaters. It became essential for flying “The Hump,” the dangerous air route over the Himalayas that supplied Chinese forces fighting against Japan.
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver:
The SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber that replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless as the U.S. Navy’s primary dive bomber. While the Helldiver had a rocky development and initially received criticism from pilots for its handling characteristics, it became a critical part of the U.S. Navy’s air arsenal later in the war, contributing to several significant battles in the Pacific.
Other Aircraft: Curtiss also produced various other aircraft, including trainers and experimental designs. However, none matched the P-40 or C-46 in terms of widespread use.
Aircraft manufacturers are the backbone of the aviation industry, responsible for designing, producing, and testing a wide range of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial airliners and military jets. Major manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Embraer have shaped the evolution of flight, driving technological advancements in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems. Explore more below.
