The Curtiss Model S (also known as Speed Scout or Model 10) was a single-seat fighter aircraft.[1]
Development and design
The Model S was Curtiss' first attempt at a fast and maneuverable single-seat fighter. The first variant, S-1, had disappointing performance. In March 1917, new wings were attached to the S-1 fuselage and the project was redesignated S-2. In 1917, the S-3 became the first triplane in service in the United States. In 1918 and 1919, Curtiss experimented with seaplane versions of the S-3, designated S-4 and S-5. The S-6 was intended to be an improved S-3, but performance was poor and of the 12 ordered by the USASC, only 1 was delivered.[1]
Variants
The sole Curtiss S-1 mounted on a truck for an Independence Day parade in New York City
S-1 Speed Scout
Biplane, unarmed
S-2 Wireless
Curtiss S-2 Wireless Speed Scout. Photo from Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering August 15, 1916Biplane, updated S-1 lacked wing wires. First flight in March 1917.
S-3
Model 10 - Triplane derived from S-2. Four built.[2]
S-4
Model 10A - Seaplane version of S-3 with 2 main floats
S-5
Model 10B - Seaplane version of S-3 with 1 main central float and two wingtip floats.
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