Curtiss H-16
The Curtiss H-16 seaplane wings were lengthened for better control and the hull was strengthened while overall dimensions were once again enlarged. The crew was increased to four personnel. Power was derived from Liberty (or Rolls-Royce Eagle) V12 engines of 360 horsepower. 334 of this mark were produced with manufacture coming under both the Curtiss Aeroplane and Naval Aircraft Factory brand labels. Two "one-off" designs then appeared, the "Model H-16-1" with pusher engine configuration and the "Model H-16-2" with pusher engine configuration and redesigned wings though these never materialized into serious production marks.
The Curtiss H-16 seaplane wings were lengthened for better control and the hull was strengthened while overall dimensions were once again enlarged. The crew was increased to four personnel. Power was derived from Liberty (or Rolls-Royce Eagle) V12 engines of 360 horsepower. 334 of this mark were produced with manufacture coming under both the Curtiss Aeroplane and Naval Aircraft Factory brand labels. Two "one-off" designs then appeared, the "Model H-16-1" with pusher engine configuration and the "Model H-16-2" with pusher engine configuration and redesigned wings though these never materialized into serious production marks.
The H-16 crew consisted of two pilots and two dedicated machine gunners. The pilots sat in the partially-enclosed cockpit flight deck at the front end of the fuselage. One machine gunner was seated in the forward-most open-air cockpit at the front of the fuselage. The other managed a dorsal gun position amidships aft of the wing assemblies. The wings were high-mounted on the fuselage. The fuselage tapered off at the rear and was capped by a triangular vertical tail fin with applicable horizontal tailplanes. Cabling was apparent throughout the wing surfaces of the design as was common for the time period concerning aircraft. The H-16 maintained the earlier Curtiss boat-like hull which enabled the aircraft to land on water. By now the wingspan of the H-16 required no fewer than four bays with parallel struts. Weaponry included up to 7 x 7.7mm Lewis machine guns on flexible mountings. The H-16 could carry a bomb load of up to 460lbs.
The H-16 crew consisted of two pilots and two dedicated machine gunners. The pilots sat in the partially-enclosed cockpit flight deck at the front end of the fuselage. One machine gunner was seated in the forward-most open-air cockpit at the front of the fuselage. The other managed a dorsal gun position amidships aft of the wing assemblies. The wings were high-mounted on the fuselage. The fuselage tapered off at the rear and was capped by a triangular vertical tail fin with applicable horizontal tailplanes. Cabling was apparent throughout the wing surfaces of the design as was common for the time period concerning aircraft. The H-16 maintained the earlier Curtiss boat-like hull which enabled the aircraft to land on water. By now the wingspan of the H-16 required no fewer than four bays with parallel struts. Weaponry included up to 7 x 7.7mm Lewis machine guns on flexible mountings. The H-16 could carry a bomb load of up to 460lbs.
During wartime, aircraft such as the Curtiss H-series certainly displayed their much sought after value. Their seaplane nature allowed them free use of water landings as needed while their inherent designs allowed for long "over-water" endurance. These qualities served well when hunting down enemy surface ships or submarines or in the locating of downed airmen or seamen. Patrols of such types were extremely common and seaplanes were also charged with hunting the slow and plodding Zeppelin airships. As control of waters between England and Europe was critical to Allied success in the war, seaplanes certainly played an important part in the ongoing struggle. Nearly all available Curtiss seaplanes used in World War 1 were operated by the British. American versions were limited to local use in anti-submarine patrolling though some arrived in Europe prior to the Armistice in November of 1918.
During wartime, aircraft such as the Curtiss H-series certainly displayed their much sought after value. Their seaplane nature allowed them free use of water landings as needed while their inherent designs allowed for long "over-water" endurance. These qualities served well when hunting down enemy surface ships or submarines or in the locating of downed airmen or seamen. Patrols of such types were extremely common and seaplanes were also charged with hunting the slow and plodding Zeppelin airships. As control of waters between England and Europe was critical to Allied success in the war, seaplanes certainly played an important part in the ongoing struggle. Nearly all available Curtiss seaplanes used in World War 1 were operated by the British. American versions were limited to local use in anti-submarine patrolling though some arrived in Europe prior to the Armistice in November of 1918.
The Curtiss H series of seaplanes managed a short operational existence beyond World War 1, to which then they were retired in favor of more modern types. Some 478 total H-series aircraft were ultimately produced.
The Curtiss H series of seaplanes managed a short operational existence beyond World War 1, to which then they were retired in favor of more modern types. Some 478 total H-series aircraft were ultimately produced.
https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=917
https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=917
Armament
Armament
7x7 mm Lewis Machine Gun on flexible mounts (Up to 7)
7x7 mm Lewis Machine Gun on flexible mounts (Up to 7)
Bombs (Up to 450 lbs)
Bombs (Up to 450 lbs)
