AIRCRAFT COLOURS AND MARKINGS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR ERA

Curtiss N-9H

 


The Curtiss N-9 was a sea-going variant of the famous JN-4 "Jenny". A total of 560 N9s were built, of which most were the N-9H powered by a Hispano-Suiza engine. Besides Curtiss, Burgess also built the N-9, and it continued in service until 1926.

The first Curtiss N-9s were finished in an overall yellow, but by the time that the 9H was introduced. this had become an overall blue-gray colour. Markings consisted of the bureau number on the rudder - this number was later supplemented by a larger one on the side of the fuselage, usually in white, but occasionally outlined with black. National markings were the red/blue/white cockade on the wings and blue/white/red rudder stripes.

Postwar, the N-9H was painted in overall aluminum. The bureau numbers were in black and also added to the upper wing centre section. The Star insignia also appeared postwar, while rudder stripes were eventually reversed to red/white/blue fore to aft.


 

 


Wartime
Blue-Gray scheme


Postwar
Aluminum scheme

 


Curtiss N-9H A-2558
-
ca.1919
Source: Windsock 21/3

 

 


Curtiss N-9H A-2605
-
ca.1921-25
Source: Windsock 21/3