Jim Poel Pilot of
Glenn Curtiss
Triad A-1Marking the end of a three year effort by our Restoration Shop volunteers, the Curtiss Museum is pleased to announce the completion, and successful flight, of an authentic 1911 Navy A-1 reproduction. This "hydro-aeroplane", now residing in the museum, is presented in the "Triad" configuration, which includes the first retractable landing gear. This feature also makes A-1 the first amphibious aircraft. Our A-1 version is a two-seat trainer with the first "throw-over control yoke" (another Curtiss innovation). This reproduction spans 29.5 feet, has a dry weight of 1274 pounds, and is powered by a 90 HP Curtiss OX-5 engine (of WW1 vintage). Flown successfully in September, 2004 by museum volunteer Jim Poel, the A-1 is a significant and welcome addition to our collection of historic Curtiss aircraft. The A-1 was also our Navy's first aircraft. This, combined with the fact that Glenn Curtiss trained their first pilots, earned him the title of the "Father of Naval Aviation".
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