Photo US Navy Aircraft

[musec04]

ello,

Not actually a USN aircraft,so arguably in the wrong thread,if not even the wrong board,but seemed worth posting,but a Curtiss flying boat of the New York Guard serial N.Y.N.1


https://www.ebay.com/itm/20460296689...0AAOSw7nxlgMEc


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Never-the-less a quite interesting photo Clint

Up to 1917 (when the US entered WW 1) neither the US Navy nor Army bought many E/F boats
from Curtiss.
Not until 1918 did the F-boat become a standard US Navy trainer.

This F-boat (I think that is what it is) is not included in any US Navy records, so it must be a semi-civil/military
aircraft purchased by the local Govt of New York.
Perhaps some kind of "take off" for a local Naval ANG?

Cheers
Stig

[twocee]

Some further information:

"To launch the "National Aeroplane Fund", in May 1915 the Curtiss Aeroplane Company donated an 'F' flying boat to the First Battalion of the New York Naval Militia and made provisions to train a pilot and mechanic in the militia for the mission of defending New York harbour".

The National Aeroplane Fund was an initiative of the Aero Club of America. In May 1917, following the US entry into WWI, the Naval Militia was absorbed into the US Navy.

Might that be "NY N-1" on the bow of the boat?

[musec04]

Thank you both for the replies.



George do you know if the Curtiss was absorbed into the Navy at the same time as the New York Naval Militia and if so, did it receive a naval serial? or did it retain the one shown?



Regards,


Clint

[twocee]

No idea, Clint. It might not even have survived that long.

Here is a link to another photo;

https://c7.alamy.com/comp/2RCJ65C/fa...ly-2RCJ65C.jpg

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks George

Perhaps we should get the date of the photos straight first?
The Alamy one says 1 Nov 1916, while the seller of the other one, found by Clint,
talks about 1 Nov 1915.
With George's input regarding the funding in May 1915, I would say 1 Nov 1915
seems correct even if the digit 5 in 1915 has been enhanced - by someone.

The Curtiss civil production of aircraft is very difficult to come to terms with.
What has been seen in print is something like 300 aircraft made up to some
unknown point in 1915.

What is also known is that when the US entered WW 1 the Navy bought some
civil flying boats, but from where - no idea!
What is pretty certain though, IF NY N-1 was one of them, it did get a new ID
with the US Navy!

Were there more Naval Militia operating in the US? I mean can we expect to
find other odd Curtiss "F-boats" appearing all over the States?

Cheers
Stig

[twocee]

Stig,

It looks as if this a large and complex topic for anyone interested in researching it (not me). For example, it seems as if the first State Militia flying boat was acquired by Illinois as a gift from two individuals in May 1915. Several other states then followed this lead. Then in 1916 the Navy was authorised to lend up to 12 aircraft to the Militias, but lack of funds and trained pilots slowed down the implementation. All changed, of course, in April 1917.

[Stig Jarlevik]

I was afraid you would say that George....

Cheers
Stig