This is the first book to detail the design and service history of the U.S. Navy's first airplane, and presents the formative years of naval aviation between 1911-1916. The Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, made history as the first airplane to serve with the U.S. Navy, the Imperial Russian Navy and the Japanese Navy. Contained here are: newly created detailed drawings of the airplane, engine and its parts; highlights the contributions of the airplane's designer, Glenn Curtiss, and his mentors. ILLUSTRATIONS 150 colour ab/w