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[[image 1 caption]] NAF F-5L's replaced H-16 in production. Re-engineered from British F-5's with two Liberties, they were modified for use in 20's. [[/image 1 caption]]

[[image 2 caption]] NC-9, one of six NC's built by NAF after 1919 trans-Atlantic flight. With four Liberties, its weight was 28,000 lbs., its speed 85 mph. [[/ image 2 caption]]

which was built to fly the Atlantic. Because of World War I, the flight was cancelled. Flying boats based on the America were sold to the British, and later to the U.S. Navy. They became the first operational patrol plane flying boats in both services.

After the entry of the U.S. into WWI, the Curtiss HS-1L, with a single Liberty engine was ordered in quantity, as well as the larger twin engine H boats. These were to be used for anti-submarine patrol operations, the principal mission of Naval Aviation in WW I. Initially, a number of the H-12's, were procured. Later, the H-16, incorporation much of the British experience, was built by Curtiss and by the new Naval Aircraft Factory.

The H-16 was replaced on production lines by the improved British design, the G-5. Re-engineered for U.S. production, with Liberty engines, the F-5L performed better than the H-16.

After our entry into the war, a new, larger flying boat was conceived. If large enough, it was calculated that delivery to Europe could be made by flying them across the Atlantic. This ability was a requirement for the design. The NC, as the new model was designated, was the result of the closest possible cooperation between Navy and Curtiss designers. It was originally powered by three Liberties, but a fourth was added after tests.

The fame of the NC's rests upon the completion of the first trans-Atlantic flight by the NC-4 in 1919. Additional NC's, built by the NAF, were operated in the early twenties, along with HS-2L's and modified H-16's and F5L's.

[[image 3 caption]] Wright T-2's of 525-hp powered the NAF PN-7 of 1923. Speed was 104 mph, its weight was 14,400 lbs., its range about 700 miles. [[/image 3 caption]]

[[image 4 caption]] Modified Boeing PB-2 had two 550-hp Hornets, flew at 112 mph, and weighed 12,500 lbs. Original in 1925 was powered by two Packards. [[/image 4 caption]]

[[image 5 caption]] NAF PN-9's were used for attempted flight to Hawaii in 1925. With two water-cooled 475-hp Packards, they reached speed of 114 mph. [[/image 5 caption]]

[[image 6 caption]] PN-10 was basically a service version of PN-9. Four were ordered in 1925-26. One, modified with two Wright Cyclones, became PN-12.

26          NAVAL AVIATION NEWS