Curtiss JN-4 "Canuck"
The Curtiss Airplane Company developed the JN-4 from the model J made in 1914 that flew reconnaissance against Pancho Villa's Mexican revolutionaries. From that aircraft came the JN-2 and JN-3 then finally the definitive JN-4 "Jenny". The American model was accepted by the British as a primary trainer and it was made by Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. in Canada as the JN-4 "Canuck". This assured that many Canadian pilots earned their wings on it. It was reputed to be an easy aircraft to fly, in large part due to the low power in-line engine. The twin seat arrangment was ideal for training purposes. 6813 were built, with the JN-4D 'Canuck' as most-built model.
Technical Details
The "Canuck" was a biplane, twin-seat ab initio trainer powered by a 90 hp (67 kW) Curtiss OX-5 in-line engine. Both student and instructor had controls. The student sat in front. Its maximum speed was only 75 mph (121 km/h) with a service ceiling of 6500 ft (1980 m).
Canadian Aces Home Page
Image from:
Canadian National Aviation Museum, Ottawa.
Information from:
M. Sharpe. Biplanes, Triplanes and Seaplanes. Prospero Books. 2000.
E. Gustin. Military Aircraft Database.