America's Biggest Flying Machine 



Glenn Curtiss builds a giant airplane for the Navy 

 By Carl Dientsbach 



IN no craft are the drawbacks of small 

 size so manifest as in aircraft. Flying 

 in a disturbed atmosphere is never less 

 severe than navigating an angry ocean. 



into a true "whaleback" to become at least 

 really seaworthy. In its new extreme size 

 and shape it promises to supersede that 

 homely compromise, the "seaplane," a 

 moderately enlarged airplane mounted on 

 high stilts on a catamaran "surf boat." 

 Not infrequently, these stilted floats were 

 broken off by the waves through 

 which they cut better than small 

 flying boats. The smooth, 

 shapely hull of the new 

 flying yacht which Glenn 

 Curtiss has built for 

 our Navy, is one piece 

 with the extremely 

 strongly built 

 planes like 

 the auxil- 



intricate observations; shells must 

 be dodged, exact aim with bombs 

 and machine guns taken, and rapid 

 maneuvers carried out in aerial 

 combat. 



Increase the size of the airplane 

 and at one stroke seemingly insur- 

 mountable difficulties are overcome. 

 Exacting duties may be divided 

 among a more numerous crew. 

 Strong celluloid windows protect the 

 men from storm and cold ; no ham- 

 pering clothing or goggles are re- 

 quired ; there is space to move 

 about; numerous instruments and 

 conveniences can be provided and 

 handled at ease. Airmen have to 

 thank the ocean for all these bless- 

 ings. No mere cockle shell of an 

 airplane can ride the waves as a 

 naval airplane must. The old 

 "flying boat" had eventually not 

 only to be vastly enlarged, but also 

 completely decked over and turned 



The smooth, shapely hull of the new Curtis flying 

 yacht is in one piece with extremely strong planes 



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