Curtiss Model H

The Curtiss Model H was a family of early long-range flying boats, the first of which were developed on commission for the 10,000 pound Daily Mail prize of 1913 for the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic. American businessman Rodman Wanamaker paid for the project, and John Cyril Porte supervised the design at the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. The first aircraft, America, was launched on 22 June 1914, and sponsons were added after tests showed the nose tried to submerge under power. The First World War stopped the crossing, and the Royal Naval Air Service bought the aircraft and ordered more, which it called Americas. Larger H-12 Large Americas and H-16 types followed and flew anti-submarine and anti-Zeppelin patrols over the North Sea. Nearly 500 Model H boats were built, and the line led to the Felixstowe flying boats.