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Curtiss JN-4D Jenny

  • Curtiss JN-4D Jenny
  • Curtiss JN-4D Jenny
  • Curtiss JN-4D Jenny

The JN-4D “Jenny”

War Trainer to Barnstormer

Originally manufactured by the Springfield Airplane Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, the JN-4 lived two very different lives. First, the JN-4, or Jenny, was one of the most notable United States aircraft in World War I, used primarily for training pilots. After the war, the Jenny became an air show performer, otherwise known by many as a barnstormer. This occurred because thousands of JN-4s were sold as military surplus after World War I for as little as $50. This price allowed many aviation enthusiasts to purchase JN-4s and reutilize them to entertain the public through the demonstration of its exciting aerial capabilities— such as flying the aircraft through a barn. Such activities increased interest in aviation across the globe!

Airmail in Utah

In the mid-1930s, mail was transported across the country by air through private carriers. After some airmail contracts were improperly awarded during this period, the US Army Air Corps, with a western region headquarters based out of Salt Lake City, briefly provided airmail transport in aircraft like this JN-4. Unfortunately, these aircraft were not well-equipped for this mission, and several pilots crashed and died. Can you guess why? There was a lack of instrumentation and lighting on this aircraft! Additionally, many pilots were not well trained.

Restoring Old Birds

This JN-4 was acquired by the Aerospace Heritage of Utah for the Hill Aerospace Museum from the estate of Jim Nissen in California. He had purchased the remains of this Jenny in 1958 and spent years restoring it to make it airworthy again. This restoration was particularly difficult as the Air Corps ordered many JN-4s destroyed. Consequently, many of the parts on this airframe were made from scratch, such as the hand-carved propellors.

This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.

Curtiss JN-4D Jenny
Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny” Blueprint

Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny”

Serial Number: 5002

Manufacturer: Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Primary Function: Flight training

Crew: Two

Engines: One Curtiss OX-5 reciprocating V-8 of 500-cubic inches; 90 horsepower

Wingspan: 43 ft 7 3⁄8 in (upper); 33 ft 11 1⁄4 in (lower)

Length: 27 ft 4 in

Height: 9 ft 10 in

Weight: 1,920 lbs (empty); 2,130 lbs (maximum takeoff weight)

Speed: 65 mph (cruising); 75 mph (maximum)

Range: 175 miles

Service Ceiling: 11,000 feet

Armament: None

Cost: $6,000

Years of Service: 1915 – 1920s

The JN-4D “Jenny” at Hill Air Force Base

Originally manufactured by the Springfield Airplane Company in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1918, the JN-4D, the most notable American aircraft in World War I, was nicknamed “Jenny” by sluffing the “JN.” While in service, the Jenny had two careers. First, the Jenny was a trainer. Then, after the war, it flew as a barnstormer/air show performer. Driving its second career was the fact it sold for $50 after World War I. One of the most-loved, early American airplanes, the Jenny was flown by most famous pilots of the time.

The Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah acquired this aircraft for Hill Aerospace Museum from the estate of Jim Nissen of Livermore, California. Jim Nissen purchased the remains of this Jenny in 1958 and spent years restoring it to airworthiness. The aircraft is painted in the early Army Air Service colors; it made its first post-restoration flight in April 1976.

This Curtiss made a public debut in May 1976 at the Watsonville Antique Fly-In, where it was unanimously awarded the Grand Champion Trophy. Over the next two decades, the Jenny made occasional appearances at fly-ins and airshows around northern California.

What is a Jenny in aviation?

A biplane, the JN got its nickname from aviators pronouncing the “JN” and “Jen,” which thus, became Jenny.

Why was the Curtiss JN 4 designed as a tractor airplane with the engine up front?

Earlier aircraft had their engines placed at the rear, behind the pilots. As a result, when an aircraft crashed, the engine sadly crushed the pilot. Consequently, the Army had designers move the engine forward.

Who made the Jenny airplane?

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company manufactured the JN 4 in huge quantities for the Allied powers in the First World War

How many JN 4s were produced

Some 6,813 Jenny aircrafts were made, though only a handful are still considered airworthy.

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