Curtiss Model K (aircraft)

Curtiss Model K (aircraft)
Model K
Role Flying boat
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Curtiss
First flight 1915
Primary user Imperial Russian Navy
Number built at least 51
Developed from Curtiss Model F

The Curtiss Model K was an American single-engined flying boat of World War I. It was an enlarged derivative of Curtiss's Model F and about 50 were built for export to the Russian Navy.

Contents

Design and development

In 1914, the Curtiss Aeroplane Company developed its Model K, an enlarged development of its successful Model F flying boat. It was a three-bay biplane powered by a 150 hp (112 kW) Curtiss V-X engine mounted in a pusher configuration between the wings. Unlike the Model F, its wings were staggered and slightly swept, while its ailerons were mounted on the upper wing instead of between the wings.[1][2]

The first flight of the Model K was delayed by problems with its engine until January 1915, with it being claimed that the aircraft was the largest single-engined flying boat in the world at the time.[2]

Operational history

While the Model K did not attract orders from home,[3] attempts to export it were more successful, resulting in an order for 51 aircraft in both flying boat and landplane versions from the Imperial Russian Navy in 1914.[4][N 1] The crated aircraft were shipped via Vancouver and Vladivostok, resulting in serious delays in the aircraft being re-assembled, such that many of them were unseaworthy due to their hulls having cracked.[3][5]

Operators

 Russian Empire

Specifications

Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • Length: 31 ft 5 in (9.58 m)
  • Wingspan: 55 ft 10 in (17.01 m)
  • Wing area: 592 sq ft (55.0 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,700 lb (1,225 kg)
  • Gross weight: 3,900 lb (1,769 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss V-X , 150 hp (110 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 70 mph (110 km/h; 61 kn)
  • Range: 364 mi (316 nmi; 586 km)
  • Rate of climb: 150 ft/min (0.76 m/s)

Notes

  1. ^ Johnson states that the order, for 54 aircraft was placed in late 1915, with deliveries starting in 1916.[2]
  1. ^ Bowers 1979, p. 106.
  2. ^ a b c Johnson 2009, p. 38.
  3. ^ a b c Bowers 1979, p. 107.
  4. ^ "Curtiss K through Z". Aerofiles. 24 January 2009. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  5. ^ Johnson 2009, pp. 38–39.

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Curtiss Model K — This article is about the aero engine. For the 1915 flying boat, see Curtiss Model K (aircraft). Model K Curtiss Model …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model H — Model H family Curtiss H 12 Large America in RNAS service Role Experimental flying boat Manufacturer …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model D — A Headed Curtiss Model D (Curtiss photo 1916) Pusher later Headless models incorporated elevators around the rudder in the tail (like most aircraft since) …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model J — Role Biplane National origin United States of America Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane Company Designer Benjamin D. Thomas First flight 12 March 1914 Introduction 1914 Numbe …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model R — Model R Curtiss R 4L Role Military utility aircraft Designer Curtis …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model 41 Lark — Curtiss Lark Role Biplane National origin United States of America Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company Introduction 1925 Developed from Curtiss Carrier Pigeon The Curtiss M …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model E — Model E The A 1, the United States Navy s first aircraft Role Utility aircraft Manufacturer …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model L — Model L Role Civil trainer Manufacturer Curtiss First flight 1916 The Curtiss Model L was a triplane produced as a trainer aircraft in the United States in 1916. A largely conventional design with the upper two wings of equal span and a shorter… …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model S — Model S Role fighter National origin United States Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company The Curtiss Model S (also known as Speed Scout or Model 10) was a single seat fighter aircraft.[1] …   Wikipedia

  • Curtiss Model F — For the scoutplane, see SOC Seagull. Models E and F Role Utility flying boat Manufacturer …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”