Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny"
N5001 (S/N 5002)

Crew:   Two
Engine:   One Curtiss OX-5 reciprocating V-8 of 500 cu in; 90 hp
Upper Wingspan:   43 ft 7 3/8 in
Lower Wingspan:  33 ft 11 1/4 in
Length:  27 ft 4 in
Height:   9 ft 11 in
Weight:   1,430 lbs
Speed:    cruise: 65 mph; max: 75 mph
Service Ceiling:  about 10,000 ft
Armament:  None 

The nickname "Jenny" was derived by slurring "JN." The most notable American design of World War I, the Jenny had two careers: trainer and, after the War, barnstormer/air show performer. It was one of the most loved early American aircraft, flown by all the famous pilots of the time. After World War I, Jennies could be bought for $50, hence their popularity with barnstormers of the 1920s.

This Jenny was originally built by the Springfield Airplane Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1918. It was acquired by the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah for Hill Aerospace Museum from the estate of Jim Nissen of Livermore, California. He had purchased the remains of the Jenny in 1958 and spent years restoring it to airworthiness. Painted in early Army Air Service colors, it made its first post-restoration flight in April 1976.

The classic Curtiss made its public debut in May 1976 at the Watsonville Antique Fly-In in California, where it was unanimously voted the Grand Champion Trophy. For the next two decades the Jenny made occasional appearances at fly-ins and airshows around northern California, the last being at Porterville in non-flying condition in August 1996.