About the HARLOW PJC-2
The C-2 was one of the early aviation attempts made by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, which contributed significantly to the history of aviation. Introduced in 1911, the C-2 was part of the Curtiss Model series and was an evolution from previous designs like the Model D and Model E. The production of the C-2 was motivated by the burgeoning interest in aviation for both recreational and potentially military applications, as nations around the world began recognizing the strategic advantage of air superiority.
The C-2 was a biplane, featuring two main wings stacked one above the other. This design was common in the early 20th century, providing the aircraft with increased lift and stability at a time when aviation science and engineering were still in their nascent stages. The aircraft's structure was primarily made of wood and fabric, materials that were lightweight and easy to repair but offered limited durability. The engine powered a pusher propeller, which was located behind the wings and pilot, a feature that distinguished many early Curtiss designs.
Key Features and Capabilities
The niche the C-2 served was mainly for pilot training and experimentation in flight. Its relatively simple design made it an excellent platform for learning the basics of powered flight, as well as for testing new aeronautical concepts. While the production numbers of the C-2 were not very high, each unit played a significant role in advancing early aviation understandings.
One of the major benefits of the C-2 was its role as a versatile, easy-to-handle training aircraft that introduced many early aviators to the fundamentals of piloting. This aircraft contributed to the growing pool of trained pilots who would go on to push the boundaries of what was possible in the sky. With the lessons learned from the C-2, Curtiss and other aviation pioneers were able to refine their designs, leading to more advanced and capable aircraft in the following years.