The Curtiss Jenny became America’s most renowned World War I coaching aeroplane. Often used for first flight coaching, some Jennies were equipped with machine guns and bomb racks for complicated coaching. The JN series started by mixing the best features of the Curtiss “J” and “N” models. A 1915 version, the JN-3, supported Pershing’s Punishing [...]
17Oct09
CAQUOT type R observation
Tethered balloons authorized World War I observers to see as far as forty miles behind enemy lines to spot troop movements, chart ditch systems and direct artillery fire. The observation balloon most utilized by Americans was named for its designer, French engineer Lt. Albert Caquot. The hydrogen-filled balloon could lift 2 passengers in its basket, [...]
8Oct09
Avro aircraft
In July 1913, the Brit AV. Roe (Avro) Corp. Tested its first model 504 aircraft, and many variants followed — based on the kind of engine installed. The 504K version had adapters, which authorized the installation of many differing kinds of rotary engines. This aircraft had an ordinary combat career, but it proved to be [...]
