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Curtiss NC-4

Curtiss Aeroplane · Transatlantic Flying Boat · USA · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)

Curtiss NC-4 — Transatlantic Flying Boat
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The Curtiss NC-4 was the first aircraft to make a ocean flight — the U.S. Navy's flying boat that flew from Newfoundland to Lisbon via the Azores in May 1919. Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company built 4 Curtiss NC ("Navy Curtiss") flying boats 1918-1919; the NC-4 was the only one of the four to complete the May 1919 Atlantic mission. The aircraft was retired after the historic flight + is preserved at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida.

The NC-4 used 4 × Liberty L-12 V-12 inline engines (400 hp each) — three in tractor configuration on the upper wing + one in pusher configuration on the centreline above the upper wing. Maximum speed 138 km/h, range 2,400 km, service ceiling 1,360 m. Capacity: 6 (pilot + 5 crew including navigator + radio operator + engineer + co-pilot + observer). The aircraft was specifically designed for U.S. Navy long-range patrol + Atlantic ferry missions — the U.S. Navy intended NC-1 through NC-4 to be ferried to Britain by air to avoid German U-boat threats during WWI (the war ended before the ferry mission was needed).

NC-4 Atlantic-crossing mission history. On 8-31 May 1919, U.S. Navy NC-1, NC-3, and NC-4 attempted the Atlantic-Ocean traverse from Trepassey, Newfoundland to Lisbon via the Azores. NC-1 + NC-3 were forced down at sea by weather but their crews survived. Only NC-4 (commanded by Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read) completed the crossing — Trepassey to Horta (Azores) on 17 May, Horta to Ponta Delgada on 20 May, Ponta Delgada to Lisbon on 27 May. NC-4 then continued to Plymouth, England on 31 May 1919 — completing the first Atlantic flight in history. The flight preceded the Alcock + Brown non-stop Atlantic flight by 18 days.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Curtiss NC-4 was the first plane to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. The American Navy built 4 Curtiss NC flying boats in 1918 and 1919. On a 24-day trip from Newfoundland to Lisbon, Portugal in May 1919, only the NC-4 made it all the way. The NC-1 and NC-3 dropped out due to weather and engine problems.

The NC-4 is 68 feet long with a 126-foot wingspan, longer than a Boeing 737. Four Liberty L-12 V-12 engines each made 400 horsepower (three pulling, one pushing). Top speed is 86 mph, faster than most cars on a highway. The plane could carry 6 crew: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, radio operator, engineer, and observer.

The NC-4 was a flying boat, meaning the body floated like a boat to land on water. This was important because no airports existed in the middle of the Atlantic. The plane stopped at the Azores islands halfway through the trip to refuel and fix problems.

The historic Atlantic flight took place from May 8 to May 31, 1919. Commander Albert Read led the NC-4. The crew was greeted as heroes in Europe. The NC-4 is now preserved at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.

Fun Facts

  • The Curtiss NC-4 was the first plane to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The Atlantic flight took place from May 8 to May 31, 1919.
  • The NC-4 is 68 feet long, longer than a Boeing 737.
  • Top speed is 86 mph, faster than most cars on a highway.
  • Four Liberty engines powered the NC-4 (three pulling, one pushing).
  • Only the NC-4 made it; NC-1 and NC-3 dropped out.
  • Commander Albert Read led the historic flight.

Kids’ Questions

Why a flying boat?

In 1919, no airports existed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A flying boat could land on water at the Azores islands to refuel and fix problems. A wheeled plane would have no place to land. The NC-4 had a boat-like hull and twin wing floats for water landings. The plane took off and landed from water just like a boat.

How did they navigate?

The NC-4 had no GPS or modern navigation. The navigator used a sextant to measure the angle of the sun and stars. He also dropped flares at night to check drift. The American Navy stationed 53 destroyer ships across the Atlantic, spaced 50 miles apart, to help the planes find their way. The destroyers sent up smoke and lights as guides.

Why so few people remember it?

Just two weeks after the NC-4's flight, British pilots John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown flew nonstop across the Atlantic in a Vickers Vimy bomber. Their flight was faster, harder, and more famous. The NC-4 stopped at the Azores; Alcock and Brown did not stop. So Alcock and Brown became famous for the first nonstop Atlantic flight, while the NC-4 (the first Atlantic flight ever) was forgotten by many.

Variants

NC-1, NC-2, NC-3, NC-4 (sole production)
Four airframes built 1918-1919. NC-4 only completed 1919 Atlantic flight. Other 3 lost / scrapped.

Notable Operators

U.S. Navy (1919-1920)
Sole operator. May 1919 Atlantic flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the NC-4 the first Atlantic flight?

Yes — the first Atlantic flight of any kind. The NC-4 reached Lisbon on 27 May 1919 — 18 days before John Alcock + Arthur Brown made the first non-stop Atlantic flight (Newfoundland to Ireland, 14-15 June 1919). The NC-4 flight included multiple intermediate stops (Newfoundland + Azores + Lisbon + Plymouth) so it was not non-stop, but it was the first Atlantic flight of any kind. The Alcock + Brown flight retains separate "first non-stop transatlantic" recognition.

Where can I see the NC-4?

National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. The NC-4 is preserved + displayed at the museum's main hall — it is the only original NC-series aircraft to survive (NC-1, NC-2, NC-3 were all scrapped or lost). The aircraft was restored in the 1970s + has been on continuous public display since.

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