The
Curtiss Model D was Glenn Curtiss' first
"production" model. The Model D set several
firsts...the first amphibian capable of landing and taking off from
land or water and the first aircraft to take-off from and land on a
ship.
The Curtiss Model D was the second airplane
purchased by the U.S. Army, one of five aircraft the Army acquired
in 1911. The Navy's first aircraft was also a Model D
purchased in 1911.
The early Model D had
both forward and rear elevators. Lincoln Beachey wrecked his
forward elevator at a competition and decided to continue flying
without it. He found the aircraft flew better without
it. After some inquiry, Curtiss deleted the forward elevator
on later D models. These were referred to as the
"headless" Model D.
