biography
| name: |
Curtiss, Glenn (Hammond)
|
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1878–1930)
|
| biography:
| Aviator and inventor, born in Hammondsport, New York, USA. Starting with a youthful interest in racing and improving bicycles, he moved on to motorcycles, opening his own motorcycle factory (1902). In 1905 he set a world speed record of 137 mph on a self-designed motorcycle, and that same year he helped to build the first dirigible for the US Army. In 1908, in his June Bug, he was the first American to make a public aeroplane flight over one linear kilometre. A competitor of the Wright Brothers, he continued to set many new records for flight. In addition to gaining the patent (1911) for the aileron, he effectively invented the hydroplane and flying boat, and the NC-4 he built for the US Navy (1919) made the first transatlantic flight. During World War 1, his Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company produced over 5000 ‘Jennies’ (JN-4's). Recognized as one of aviation's major pioneers, in his later years he began working with automobiles, designing a streamlined trailer, and developing real estate in Florida. |
|
|
