P.Bowers Curtiss Aircraft 1907-1947 (Putnam)

Model N. The Model N was a parallel design to the Model J of 1914, differing from it mainly in the use of an RAF 6 aerofoil instead of the Eiffel 36. In 1915, the best features of the J and N models were combined to produce the JN.
   The original Model N was a two-seat biplane with equal-span two-bay wings and a 100 hp Curtiss OXX engine in the nose. The nose radiator duplicated the J installation but the N's ailerons were between the wings. The Curtiss shoulder-yoke aileron control system was used. The prototype N was evaluated by the US Army at North Island, was accepted at a price of $7.500, and given Army serial number 35.
   During its Army trials, Curtiss repossessed the model at North Island to further his defence of the Wright patent suit. He locked the ailerons and rigged in the exceptionally high dihedral angle of seven degrees to prove that full three-axis control was not essential to safe flight.
   After a period of service in the original configuration, its wings were modified to incorporate the ailerons in the upper wing.
   The Model N was later rebuilt in Curtiss shops on North Island to a side-by-side two-seater and filled with a 90 hp British Beardmore engine. The greater weight of the new engine in a longer nose just compensated for the balance change of moving the former front-seat occupant aft.

   Model N
   Two seats.
   Span 41 ft 6 in (12,64 m); length 27 ft 2 in (8,28 m); wing area 371 sq ft (34,46 sq m).
   Empty weight 1,300 lb (589,6 kg); gross weight 1,800 lb (816,46 kg).
   Maximum speed 82 mph (131,96 km/h); climb 4,000 ft (1,220 m) in 10 min; endurance 4 hr.
   Powerplant 100 hp Curtiss OXX.
   US Army serial number: 35.


Model O. Not known to be an official Curtiss designation, but seen occasionally in reference to the rebuilt Model N with side-by-side seating and Daimler engine. It is logical that such extensive changes would justify a new designation.