Curtiss Autoplane

The Curtiss Autoplane (also designated Curtiss Model 11) invented by Glenn Curtiss in 1917, is widely considered the first attempt to build a roadable aircraft.^[1] Although the vehicle was capable of lifting off the ground, it never achieved full flight.^[2]

Curtiss Autoplane
Autoplane as shown at Pan-American Aeronautical Exposition of 1917
Role	Roadable aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Curtiss
Designer	Glenn Curtiss

Development and design

The Autoplane was a triplane, using the wings from a Curtiss Model L trainer, with a small foreplane mounted on the aircraft's nose.^[3] The Autoplane's aluminum body resembled a Model T and had three seats in an enclosed cabin, with the pilot/chauffeur sitting in the front seat and the two passengers side-by side to the rear.^[4] It used a four-blade pusher propeller, and a twin-boom tail. A 100 horsepower (75 kW) Curtiss OXX engine drove the propeller via shaft and belts.^[5][6] The aircraft had a four-wheel undercarriage, with the front two wheels being steerable. The wings and tail could be detached for use as an automobile.^[7][8]

It was shown at the Pan-American Aeronautic Exposition at New York City in February 1917. It made a few short hops before the entry of the United States into World War I in April 1917 ended development of the Autoplane.^[9]

Specifications

Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947^[9]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Capacity: 2 passengers
• Length: 27 ft (8.2 m)
• Wingspan: 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
• Height: 10 ft (3.0 m)
• Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OXX water-cooled V8 engine, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 65 mph (105 km/h, 56 kn)