The Curtiss Jenny stands alone as the United States’ most iconic World War I (WWI) training aircraft. Primarily a flight trainer, some Jennies had machine guns and bomb racks mounted for advanced training.
The JN series featured a combination of the best attributes of the Curtiss "J" and "N" models. A 1915 version, the JN-3, supported Pershing's Punitive Expedition into Mexico in 1916, but the aircraft proved unsuitable for field operations. Curtiss improved the JN-3 and re-designated it the JN-4.
With America's entry into WWI on April 6, 1917, the Signal Corps (S.C.) ordered large quantities of JN-4s. By the time production ended after the Armistice, more than 6,000 were delivered, most of them JN-4Ds.
After WWI, the Army sold hundreds of surplus JN-4s to civilians. The airplane experienced a rebirth as "barnstormers" brought aviation to the masses throughout the 20s and 30s.
The Museum restored this Jenny to represent S.C. #4037 at Love Field, Texas, in 1918. The aircraft was placed on display in 2023.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Engine: Curtiss OX-5, V-8 of 90-100 hp
Maximum speed: 75 mph
Ceiling: 11,000 ft
Endurance: 2 hours 15 minutes
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