Curtiss Model S

Model S
Curtiss S-3
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.

Development and design

The Model S was Curtiss' first attempt at a fast and maneuverable single-seat fighter. The first variant, S-1, had disappointing performance. In March 1917, new wings were attached to the S-1 fuselage and the project was redesignated S-2. In 1917, the S-3 became the first triplane in service in the United States. In 1918 and 1919, Curtiss experimented with seaplane versions of the S-3, designated S-4 and S-5. The S-6 was intended to be an improved S-3, but performance was poor and of the 12 ordered by the USASC, only 1 was delivered.

Variants

The sole Curtiss S-1 mounted on a truck for an Independence Day parade in New York City

S-1 Speed Scout

Biplane, unarmed

S-2 Wireless

Biplane, updated S-1 lacked wing wires. First flight in March 1917.

S-3

Model 10 - Triplane derived from S-2. Four built.

S-4

Model 10A - Seaplane version of S-3 with 2 main floats

S-5

Model 10B - Seaplane version of S-3 with 1 main central float and two wingtip floats.

S-6

Model 10C - Triplane, improved S-3

Specifications (S-3)

Data from

General characteristics

• Crew: 1

Performance

References

Bibliography

• Angelucci, Enzo (1987). The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books.
• Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10029-8.