Service History
Delivered: 1929
Built in 1928, the Robin to its’ advantage, was similar to the popular Spirit of Saint Louis. Curtiss used the OX-5 engine and with over 300 Robins in the air, saw the need for the greater horsepower Challenger engine as well as a seaplane version. By 1930 over 700 Robins were built, at a rate of about 17 per week, and Robins were a familiar sight at airports around the country.
The C-1 carried 50 gallons of fuel for a range of 510 miles or 5 hours of flight. In 1929, the “St Louis Robin” set the endurance record of 420 hours, 21 minutes, almost 18 days by refueling in flight. Dale Jackson, the chief test pilot at Curtiss Airplane, and Forrest O’Brine won the prize money of $31,225.00, plus gifts and a $2,470.00 bonus for the 247 hours added to the previous record of 173 hours.
In 1933 after the Stock Market crash, thirty-one year old “Wrong Way Corrigan” purchased a Robin for $325.00. Flying to Ireland without permission, he used the “I flew the wrong way” story that brought him instant acclaim.
Acquired by Yanks in 1985. Restoration was completed in 2003.
