Curtiss Model E

The Curtiss Model E was an open-framework pusher biplane that Glenn Curtiss developed in 1911 as a refined and enlarged successor to his headless Model D. It had two-bay unstaggered wings of equal span, large interplane ailerons worked by a shoulder yoke, and a tricycle undercarriage on land or a central pontoon with wingtip floats when fitted as a seaplane. The type is best remembered for its naval service: the Model E floatplane ordered in May 1911 became the first aircraft of the United States Navy, designated A-1 and nicknamed the Triad because it could operate from land, water and air. Variants of the Model E took important early steps toward American seaplanes and flying boats.