Year: 1929
Engine: Curtiss Challenger
Horsepower: 170
Wingspan: 39 ' 1"
Top Speed: 102 mph (164 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 2700 lbs (1225 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original
The Fledgling was inspired by a U.S. Navy request for a new training aircraft. The Curtiss design was chosen by the Navy as it easily was modified to fly on land or on water. The twin open cockpits, rugged build, gentle handling qualities and powerful Wright Whirlwind engine made it an ideal military trainer. The civilian version, the Fledgling, incorporated all the same qualities but with the less powerful Curtiss Challenger engine.