Curtiss Robin

Curtiss Robin
Country	USA
Role	Touring
First flight	7 August 1928
Built	769

The Curtiss Robin, introduced in 1928, was a high-wing monoplane built by the Curtiss-Robertson Airplane Manufacturing Company. The J-1 version was flown by Douglas Corrigan (nicknamed “Wrongway”) as well as the Flying Keys

Source: Curtiss Robin on Wikipedia

Curtiss Robin C-1 Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Western Aerospace Museum, Oakland
Photos	25

Curtiss Robin C-1 01

Curtiss Robin C-1 02

Curtiss Robin C-1 03

Curtiss Robin C-1 05

Curtiss Robin C-1 04

Curtiss Robin C-1 07

Curtiss Robin C-1 06

Curtiss Robin C-1 08

Curtiss Robin C-1 09

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The “Everyman’s” Cabin Plane

The Curtiss Robin was one of the most successful commercial aircraft of the late 1920s. Developed by the Curtiss-Robertson Airplane Manufacturing Company, it was designed to offer the comfort of an enclosed cabin at a time when most aircraft were still open-cockpit biplanes. Its rugged design and reliable handling made it a favorite for bush pilots, private owners, and most famously, endurance record seekers.

Attribute	Technical Specification (Robin C-1)
Role	Three-seat Cabin Monoplane
Crew / Capacity	1 Pilot, 2 Passengers
First Flight	August 7, 1928
Powerplant	1 × Curtiss Challenger 6-cylinder radial engine
Horsepower	185 hp (138 kW)
Maximum Speed	120 mph (193 km/h)
Cruise Speed	102 mph (164 km/h)
Wingspan	41 ft 0 in (12.50 m)

Design and Engineering Highlights

High-Wing Stability: The Robin utilized a high-wing configuration supported by parallel struts. This design provided excellent downward visibility for the pilot and passengers and offered inherent lateral stability, making it very forgiving for novice flyers.
Mixed Construction: To keep costs down while maintaining strength, the Robin featured a fuselage made of welded steel tubing and wings made of wood (spruce), all covered in aircraft fabric.
Enclosed Comfort: Unlike the wind-blasted cockpits of its era, the Robin featured a fully enclosed cabin with windows that could be opened, allowing for conversation between the pilot and passengers without the need for an intercom.
Engine Variety: While the C-1 used the Curtiss Challenger radial, the Robin family was famous for using a wide range of engines, including the OX-5 (liquid-cooled) and the Wright Whirlwind.

The “Wrong Way” and Endurance Legacy

“Wrong Way” Corrigan: In 1938, Douglas Corrigan filed a flight plan from New York to California in his modified Curtiss Robin. He claimed to have had a “compass error” and ended up landing in Dublin, Ireland. His 28-hour solo transatlantic flight made him a folk hero.
The St. Louis Robin: In 1929, a Robin set a world endurance record by staying aloft for over 420 hours (over 17 days) using aerial refueling—a feat that proved the reliability of the airframe and engine.
The “Ole Miss”: Another Robin, the Ole Miss, later broke the record again in 1935, staying airborne for 653 hours (27 days), a testament to the ruggedness of the Robin’s construction.
Preservation: Many Robins are still airworthy today. The Ole Miss is preserved at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.