| Curtiss Autoplane | |
|---|---|
| |
| Autoplane as shown at Pan-American 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]
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 City 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]
Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[9]
General characteristics
Performance
