Curtiss Model D Pusher

Curtiss Model D Pusher

Description

Curtiss Model D Pusher

IN the early days of flight, Glenn Curtiss was the primary American competitor to the Wrights and his Model was proof of his formidability. A major difference was this plane was controlled with ailerons, small hinged wings mounted between the larger wings, rather than wing warping, which deformed the entire wing and was protected by the Wright Brother's patent. Curtiss also used a different control system than the Wrights. While the Wrights used a series of levers, Curtiss used a wheel to operate the front elevator and rear rudder and operated the ailerons with a shoulders yoke. This meant that when a pilot wanted to turn, he or she simply leaned in the desired direction, just like riding a bicycle or motorcycle.

CollegeParkAviationMuseum
Equipment Specifications
ManufacturerCurtiss
ModelModel D Pusher
Detailed Information
Detailed Description
On display at the College Park Aviation Museum. This reproduction Model D was built in the College Park Aviation Museum restoration shop. When the Army purchased a Pusher in March 1911, it was designed as S.C. No. 2 because it was the second plane owned by the Signal Corp Division, S.C. No. 1 was a Wright Model B. The plane was originally sent to the flying school at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Following the fatal crash of Lt. George Kelly in May 1911, S.C. No. 2 was rebuilt and shipped to the aviation school at College Park. It arrived with an 8 cylinder engine, but mechanics installed less powerful 4 cylinder engine to make it safer to train new pilots. The College Park pilots who received instruction on how to fly this aircraft included Captain Paul Beck, 2nd Lt. Frank M. Kennedy, and Captain Frederick B. Hennessy.
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