Curtiss S-3

1917

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Curtiss S-3

Essentially a triplane derivative of the S-2 Wireless (signifying lack of wing bracing wires) unarmed biplane "scout", the S-3, or "Triplane Speed Scout", possessed a similar fuselage and 100hp Curtiss OXX-3 engine, and initially retained the ducted propeller spinner featured by the biplane. Interplane bracing employed "K"-type struts and, on its second flight during the summer of 1917, the S-3 attained an altitude of 5030m, which was a record at the time. For initial trials, the centre wing was attached to the fuselage at low shoulder position, but the gap between all three wings was subsequently increased and the centre wing was raised above the fuselage. After redesign of the rudder and the discarding of the ducted spinner, the S-3 successfully completed evaluation trials and four were ordered during the course of 1917 for the US Army Signal Corps. It was proposed to arm the S-3 with two unsynchronised Lewis guns which were to fire over the propeller arc, but the S-3s were, in the event, delivered to the Signal Corps without armament.

3-View 
Curtiss S-3A three-view drawing (1280 x 984)

Specification 
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight599 kg1321 lb
  Empty weight440 kg970 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan7.62 m25 ft 0 in
  Length5.94 m20 ft 6 in
  Height2.62 m9 ft 7 in
  Wing area13.25 m2142.62 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed185 km/h115 mph

Comments
Jeffrey Lee Frusha, e-mail, 13.02.2022 14:07

An S-3 Fuselage with Tail and 2 pair of lower wings from a JN-4D Jenny made up the Curtiss - Stinson Special (as in 'Special Order' biplane) that was custom built for Katherine Stinson, who along with her mother, sister and brother formed Stinson Aircraft Company in 1915, which operated from land leased from San Antonio, Texas (Now Stinson Municipal Airport).

reply

Jeffrey Lee Frusha, e-mail, 13.02.2022 14:04

An S-3 Fuselage with Tail and 2 pair of lower wings made up the Curtiss - Stinson Special (as in 'Special Order' biplane) that was custom built for Katherine Stinson, who along with her mother, sister and brother formed Stinson Aircraft Company in 1915, which operated from land leased from San Antonio, Texas (Now Stinson Municipal Airport).

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