Aeromarine 39

History

In 1917, the U.S. Navy signed a contract for a new two-seat biplane trainer with the Aeromarine Plane and Motor Company. From 1910 to 1924, Aeromarine supplied various types of aircraft for civilian and military services - mail planes, seaplane fighters and night bombers under the group.

With its key location close to the Atlantic Ocean - its facility is located in Keyport, NJ - Aeromarine is perfectly positioned for the design and development of overflying seaplanes. The Aeromarine 39 was designed to meet USN requirements for eventual use as a land-based and water-based trainer.

Production of up to 150 aircraft.

The design and construction of the Aeromarine 39 was very traditional for its time. It has a board-side body that can accommodate two seats in a row. The biplane wing assembly consists of upper and lower wing sections supported by parallel struts and cables for strength and control.

As usual, the engine was mounted in the front of the fuselage, driving a two-bladed wooden propeller. The tail consists of a rudder and associated tail.

Depending on the required service, the landing gear is available in two forms - for offshore operations, the pontoon pontoon is equipped with a quick-release feature that allows the use of a two-wheeled landing gear with a tail skid arrangement for land-based service of the aircraft.

Out of a total of 150 aircraft built by Aeromarine, the first 50 were equipped with the 100 hp Hall-Scott A-7 engine (same as the standard J-1 trainer) and twin floats. These were later referred to as "Aeromarine 39A" as the series included a modified variant - the Aeromarine 39B. The Type 39B had improved seaplane landing gear and changed to a single pontoon with outboard floats. The engine has now been changed to a 100 hp Curtiss OXX series system due to Hall-Scott's tendency to catch fire. The fins are given more space for better control.

Dimensions include a length of 9.25 meters, a wingspan of 14.3 meters and a height of 4 meters. Top speed is 73 mph, range is 273 miles, and service is capped at up to 8,200 feet.

The Aeromarine 39 continued to be used over time - even in the early war years before World War II (1939-1945) and after World War I (1914-1918). The First World War ended with an armistice in November 1918, bringing the bloody conflict to an official end.

Since then, the Aeromarine 39 in service has spent the rest of its time. Some examples end up serving the Chinese.

Aeromarine 39 made U.S. Navy history in the postwar period when - on October 26, 1922, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey deCourcelles Chevalier - loaded his Aeromarine 39 into USS Langley (CV-1/AV-3) on the deck) when it travels forward at 10 knots.

Chevalier successfully landed his plane on a moving boat -- the first of its kind for an American airline.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes