Curtiss HS-1L

The Curtiss HS flying boats were operated with great success by the US Navy during WWI, starting with the Curtiss HS-1L. They were powered by the 330hp Navy Liberty engine (providing the "L" in the name). HS-1Ls operated out of several bases in France as well as seeing extensive use in the States.

In order to increase the bomb load, the six-foot panels were added to each wing, the rudder was enlarged, and minor changes were made, creating the HS-2L. The HS-2L was deployed near the end of the war and it is not known whether it saw service, but it saw extensive use after the war. Most HS-1Ls were eventually converted to HS-2Ls.

The original HS-1 (without the Liberty "L") was driven by a 200hp Curtis VXX engine. The first to be reassembled and flown in the European theatre were on 13 June 1918. Gradually they replaced the Tellier T.3s previously in use by the US Navy in Europe. Mainly they were used for anti-submarine patrol, but they also performed mine-spotting and convoy escort.

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:300 Scale

 * Metal: Heroics & Ros GWA641