Curtiss JN-4 Aircraft
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Curtiss JN-4 (Can.) and JN-4a airplanes during First World War. Artist: Robert W. Bradford Date: ca. 1966. Source: Ingenium 1967.0891
The Curtiss JN-4 “Canuck” first earned its reputation as a trainer aircraft during the First World War and later won praise as a jack-of-all trades in postwar aviation. The two-seater Canuck was an improved version of an earlier design and was closely related to the American-made Curtiss JN-4 Jenny. Taking its first flight in 1917, the Canuck — known for its stability — became the standard flight trainer for the British and American air forces during the war. Many Canadians, who later served in the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force, learned to fly on a Canuck at British flying schools based in Canada. Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd of Toronto built more than 1,200 JN-4 “Canucks,” making it the first mass-produced airplane in Canada. Tough and versatile, the Canuck was the first airplane to cross Canada’s Rockies, and the first to deliver airmail in Canada. It was also used to test cold-weather flying, and the use of skis as landing gear. After the war, the Canuck became a favourite of barnstorming pilots who showcased the aircraft’s manoeuvrability in public aerial demonstrations.
The JN-4 “Jenny” was built in the United States by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, whose founder Glenn Curtiss belonged to Alexander Graham Bell’s Aerial Experiment Association.
Curtiss JN-4 “Canuck”s in flight, 84th Squadron (Deseronto). Source: CAVM 11060
Capt E.C. Hay at Golden, B.C. on first flight across Canadian Rockies in 1919 aboard a Canadian JN-4 airplane. (serial #C222). Source: CAVM 5261
First Canadian airmail flight in 1918. Source: CAVM-33572
Eileen M. Vollick, Canada's first licensed woman pilot, in a Jack Elliot Air Service JN4 aircraft with W. Fleming, ca. 1927-1928. Source: KM-4696
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