P.Bowers Curtiss Aircraft 1907-1947 (Putnam)
Model L (Model 9)
The Model L triplane was a late 1916 development intended as a side-by-side two-seater suitable for training and for operation by private owners. The use of three wings was not unusual for the time. However, the extremely wide gap-chord ratio of the Model L wings compared to contemporary biplanes led Curtiss to develop a different wing strut pattern. Span of the two upper wings was equal while the bottom wing was short. The wider-than-standard fuselage terminated in a horizontal rather than vertical, knife-edge at the tail.
The Model L became a production aeroplane, some being sold to individuals while others were used in the Curtiss flying schools. After the US entered the war, both the US Army and Navy bought limited quantities.
L - The original civil two-seater with 90 hp Curtiss OX engine.
L-1 - An improved L with revised tail and strut details. This was the first time that the first variant of a designated Curtiss model was given a -1 designation instead of being designated -2 for the second configuration. The US Army acquired one when it bought three different triplane models from Curtiss and assigned Army serial number 473 to the L-1.
L-2 - A single-float seaplane version with 100 hp OXX engine used by both the US Army and Navy, The first Navy model was flown with the original short bottom wing of the previous versions but this was soon enlarged to the span of the other wings to add needed lifting area to the heavier seaplane.
US Navy serial numbers: A291/293; US Army serial number: 475.
G.Swanborough, P.Bowers United States Military Aircraft Since 1909 (Putnam)
CURTISS L-2
The four Curtiss L-2s (serials 473/476) of 1917/18 were derived from the 1916 commercial model L triplane, and production of the militarized seaplane version was shared with the Navy. The L-1 was a refinement of the original L, retaining its side-by-side seating but using refined streamlining. The L-2 used a lower wing equal in span to the two uppers and was rigged without dihedral. A few privately-owned Ls and L-1s were donated to the Army or drafted by it along with some commercial flying school JNs after private flying was banned by Presidential Proclamation in 1917.
