Curtiss Model S

Development and design

The Model S was Curtiss' first attempt at a fast and maneuverable single-seat fighter. The first variant, S-1, had disappointing performance. In March 1917, new wings were attached to the S-1 fuselage and the project was redesignated S-2. In 1917, the S-3 became the first triplane in service in the United States. In 1918 and 1919, Curtiss experimented with seaplane versions of the S-3, designated S-4 and S-5. The S-6 was intended to be an improved S-3, but performance was poor and of the 12 ordered by the USASC, only 1 was delivered.

Variants

S-1 Speed Scout

Biplane, unarmed

S-2 Wireless 

Biplane, updated S-1 lacked wing wires. First flight in March 1917.

S-3 

Model 10 - Triplane derived from S-2. Four built.

S-4 

Model 10A - Seaplane version of S-3 with 2 main floats

S-5 

Model 10B - Seaplane version of S-3 with 1 main central float and two wingtip floats.

S-6 

Model 10C - Triplane, improved S-3

Specifications (S-3)

Data from

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Length: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)

Wingspan: 25 ft 0 in (7.62 m)

Height: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)

Wing area: 142.6 ft² (13.25 m²)

Empty weight: 970 lb (440 kg)

Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)

Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OXX-3, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)

Service ceiling: 16,500 ft (5,029 m)