Figure 1.-- The United States had a substantial aviation industry in pre-War terms, but as it was not participating in the European arms race, had begun to fall behind European companies. And then because it was not supporting a country at war until 1917, it had hopelessly fallen behind European manufacturers in both technology and production capacity. Here American women, many for the first time entering factories, are working in an American airplane factory during World War I. We are not sure which company was involved here. Notice the wooden construction parts. Image courtesy of the Military History of the 20th Century Website.

The United States had a substantial aviation industry in pre-War terms, but as it was not participating in the European arms race, had begun to fall behind European companies. And then because it was not supporting a country at war until 1917, it had hopelessly fallen behind European manufacturers in both technology and production capacity. As a result, American output was generally used as trainers. Here the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny which appeared in 1915 was particularly important. It did not have the capabilities needed for combat on the Western front, but proved to be an effective trainer. Most U.S. pilots who fought in the War trained on Jennys. In addition, American manufactures also produced bombers and seaplanes, but never produced a high-performance fighter. American pilots had to use British and French fighters. Curtiss also delivered Curtiss flying boats. They played an important role in the naval war. They also produced the standardized Liberty engine. This was important in expanding { llkied }????? air power, as the engines were the primary limitation on aircraft production. The Germans who were having difficulty competing with the Allies, were totally outclassed when American aircraft engine production came on line. The United States had a huge industrial base that could have been retooled to support massive increases in Allied war production, including aircraft. The War ended, however, before America could fully retool for arms production. American companies delivered copies of the British DH4 bomber to American combat units. The companies and individuals involved would have a much greater impact in World War II. Interestingly most of the most important World War II aviation companies were new ones, not the companies active in World War I.

Aeromarine

The Aeromarine Plane and Motor Company was located in Keport, New Jersey worked primarily with the Navy. The Aeromarine 39 which appeared in 1916 could be configured for both land based and sea plane operations. It made history after the War as the first American plane to land on a moving carrier. Aeromarine 40 was a flying boat trainer. It appeared in 1918, but the Navy cut the order sharply when the Germans surrendered.

Curtis

The Curtiss Airplane and Motor company proved to be the most important American aircraft manufacturer during World War I. The company produced its Model D seaplane before the War I using pusher engines (1911). Through several upgrades and modifications it ended the War as the H-16 sea plane. They were used for naval patrolling in fleet operations and anti-Zeppelin patrols. They were also used to hunt down U-boats. Curtiss' major contribution to the War effort was the venerable JN-4 Jenny. It appeared early in the War (1915). It did not have the performance needed for combat, but most American pilots and many Allied pilots trained on the Jenny. Curtiss brought out the NC Nancy Boat, a long range flying boat (1918). Only 10 planes were built when construction was interrupted by the German surrender.

Martin

The Glen Martin Company designed the Martin MB-1 which appeared at the end of the War (1918). The company received substantial orders as the Allies geared up for a massive bombing offensive against Germany. The German surrender, however, meant that only nine MB-1s were actually constructed. Martin would become the main supplier of bombers to the U.S. Army Air Corps after the War.

Standard

Standard offered the J-1 trainer hoping to replace the Curtiss Jenny, but had little success.

Vought

Birdseye B. Lewis formed a partnership with the Vought group to create the Lewis& Vought Corporation to produce the Vought VE-7 Bluebird trainer (1917). Brigadier General Billy Mitchell was impressed with the new trainer believing it had capabilities comparable to actual fighters. The Army ordered 1,000 aircraft, but canceled much of the order when the Germans surrendered. The U.S. Navy was also impressed and its first two fighter squadrons (VF-1 and 2) were VE-7s.

Created: 6:14 AM 11/18/2013
Spellchecked: 11:02 AM 11/18/2013
Last updated: 11:03 AM 11/18/2013