Army and Navy Review 1915 Panama-California Edition - Balboa Park

The remaining group of aviators who comprise the First Aero squadron
each have to their credit a number of notable flights. Captain Townsend
F. Dodd, holder of the American record for sustained cross-country
flight with passenger, and Captain Hollis LeRoy Muller, who ascended 17,-
441 feet, establishing a new American altitude record, did not go with the
squadron when it left for Fort Sill, Okla., July 25.
The flying equipment of the squadron consists of eight 90-horse power
Curtiss military tractors of the J. N. 2 type. With two passengers, a pilot
and observer, six hours’ fuel supply and carrying a load of 450 pounds these
machines can attain a speed of eighty-three miles an hour. They can fly
at a minimum speed of forty miles an hour. Ninety enlisted men went
with the machines as mechanicians.
At Fort Sill, Okla., which is the first stop of the First aero squadron
after leaving North Island, the army will work in conjunction with field
artillery at the Fort Sill school of fire. This work will be similar to that carried
out on the battlefields of Europe, the birdmen locating the “enemy’s”
trenches and directing the range and gun fire by signals from the aeroplanes.
From Fort Sill the squadron will leave in December for Fort Sam Houston,
Texas, where the army birdmen will act as aerial scouts for large
bodies of infantry and cavalry. Fourteen motor trucks or lorries will accompany
the squadron.
CURTISS FLYING BOAT LEAVING FT. ROSECRANS