Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Factory: History

CURTISS-WRIGHT AEROPLANE FACTORY

Gateway to the Skies

St. Louis has been a major player in aviation history since the earliest days of flight. By the early 1900s, a popular spot emerged north of the railroad tracks called Kinloch Field (also known as Kinloch Park Grounds).

Originally used as a horse racetrack, it later
transformed into the St. Louis Lambert International Airport we know today. Here are some significant events that happened at Kinloch Field:

The First Presidential Flight: Back in 1910, President Theodore Roosevelt took the very first airplane ride of his life right there at Kinloch Field.
Parachute Power: Two years later, in 1912, history was made again when the first successful parachute jump from an airplane happened at Kinloch Field.

St. Louis continues to be a leader in aviation, and its early days at Kinloch Field truly helped things take flight.

Here are some key moments in St. Louis’ impressive aviation story:

St. Louis Flying Field Takes Flight: In 1920, the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased a field and opened the first airfield in the county, St. Louis Flying Field. This field was the first to use a basic air traffic control system that relied upon controllers on the ground using flags before upgrading to a radio tower in the 1930s.
Honoring a Local Hero: In 1923, the airfield was renamed Lambert Field after Albert Bond Lambert, a St. Louisan who loved aviation and was the first in the city to get a pilot’s license.
Lindbergh Makes History: Charles Lindbergh, sponsored by Lambert and other St. Louis aviation enthusiasts, refueled his plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis,” at Lambert Field during his record-breaking solo flight from San Diego to New York City, eventually crossing the Atlantic to Paris in 1927.
From Lease to City-Owned: After the initial lease ended, the City of St. Louis bought the field, making it the first municipal airfield in the United States in 1928.
A New Name and a New Era: In 1930, aviation pioneer Richard E. Byrd christened the field “Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport.”
The First Terminal Opens: The airport officially opens its doors to passengers with the
construction of its first terminal in 1933.
A Thriving Airport: By the 1940s, Lambert Airport was a bustling hub with a post office,
airlines, flight schools, and many aviation enthusiasts calling it home.

St. Louis’ early embrace of aviation and its role in Lindbergh’s historic flight helped shape the city’s legacy as a major player in the aviation industry.

Black-and-white vintage photograph of a Curtiss JN-4 'Jenny' biplane from 1916, used by the U.S. Army for training pilots during World War I. The aircraft has a double-wing structure with fabric-covered surfaces, a single propeller, and an open cockpit. It is parked on a flat dirt surface in front of a large canvas hangar with a curved roof. The image features handwritten text reading 'Vintage of 1916' and 'U.S. Army Airplane – Double Control.' The photograph is framed with decorative gold corner accents, giving it an archival appearance.

Aerial black-and-white photograph from the 1930s showing the original Curtiss-Wright Airplane Factory in a rural landscape. The factory complex consists of multiple long, rectangular buildings with pitched roofs, laid out in an organized pattern. A few smaller structures and cylindrical storage tanks are situated nearby. A road runs alongside the factory, with several vintage automobiles parked near the entrance. Surrounding the facility are large open fields, with agricultural plots visible in the distance. The image captures the early industrial aviation infrastructure during a period of rapid aeronautical advancements.

"Aerial black-and-white photograph from 1941 depicting the expanded Curtiss-Wright Airplane Factory. The large industrial complex consists of multiple sprawling rectangular buildings with flat roofs, significantly larger than the earlier factory structures. Numerous vehicles, equipment, and materials are scattered throughout the surrounding area, indicating active construction or production. The factory is bordered by open fields, with a railroad track running parallel to the facility. This image highlights the rapid expansion of aviation manufacturing during World War II, as factories like this played a crucial role in aircraft production.

St. Louis Readies for Takeoff

The 1920s were a roaring time for aviation, and St. Louis was right in the middle of it.

In the 1920s, the U.S. military realized they needed more airplanes, both for fighting and for keeping the country safe. Then, in 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean in his plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis.” This amazing feat led to even more excitement about the promise of aviation.

Suddenly, everyone wanted to fly – both in the military and civilian sectors. This created a huge demand for new aircraft to be built. To meet this demand, two aviation companies, Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company and Wright Aeronautical, decided to team up, and Curtiss-Wright was established in 1929. This company would go on to be an early leader in manufacturing aircraft for war and civilian use. With this surge in production, St. Louis, with its established aviation infrastructure and Lambert Field, was perfectly positioned to play a major role in the coming war effort..

The combination of the newly formed Curtiss-Wright corporation and St. Louis’ position as a leader in aviation proved to be a winning force that provided significant wartime production.

During the 1930s, Curtiss-Wright leased land from Lambert St. Louis Municipal Airport to build a factory. Initial factory production focused on civilian aircraft. However, by 1939 with World War II looming, the United States recognized the need to increase military production. This led the U.S. government to award Curtiss-Wright a significant contract to build warplanes in St. Louis. To meet this demand, Curtiss-Wright needed more space. They leased additional space from the airport and built a large new factory complex. The first buildings of the factory were built in 1941 with additional buildings as the war went on. The Curtiss-Wright factory in St. Louis was a vital part of the war effort, as it churned out aircraft that helped the United States and its allies win the war.

The Architect Behind America’s War Factories: Albert Kahn

Albert Kahn, a Jewish-German immigrant, arrived in the United States at a young age, starting his career as an office boy. But his talent for design couldn’t be hidden. He climbed the ranks, eventually opening his own firm and revolutionizing industrial architecture.

Kahn wasn’t satisfied with the inefficient factories of the time. He envisioned bright, spacious, and efficient buildings. His innovative designs used lots of glass walls and clever layouts, perfect for modern manufacturing. This approach, now known as modern industrial architecture, became his signature style.

During World War II, Kahn’s skills were tested when Curtiss-Wright hired Kahn to design the massive Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Factory in St. Louis, a symbol of American industrial might. The Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Factory was the final factory designed by Kahn before he passed away. Kahn’s company was the world’s largest for designing industrial buildings. His work helped shape how factories look today, earning him the nickname “Maker of 20th Century Modern Architecture”. While war factories are an important part of Kahn’s story, his impact goes far beyond. He designed countless factories, auto plants, and other structures across the United States. His focus on functionality and efficiency continues to influence architects today.

Kahn’s story is one of hard work, ingenuity, and the power of design to change the world. His contribution to the war effort and the advancement of industrial architecture is undeniable. The Curtiss-Wright factory is a reminder that even behind the scenes, the contributions of visionaries like Albert Kahn were essential to the Allied victory.

Key Details About Kahn:
Early Life: Born in 1869 in Germany and immigrated to Detroit, Michigan at age 12
Early Career: Trained at architecture firm, designed houses and banks
Innovation: Patented a way to strengthen concrete with steel, allowing for larger, brighter factories
Famous Projects: Packard Motor Car Company Plant, Ford Highland Park Plant, Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Factory

Black-and-white photograph of Albert Kahn, a prominent American industrial architect, taken in 1942. Kahn, an older gentleman with round glasses and neatly combed hair, is seated at a desk piled high with papers. He wears a vest over a white dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a patterned tie. He is looking off to the side with a thoughtful expression. Behind him, several framed portrait photographs are hung on the wall. A vintage telephone with a separate mouthpiece and earpiece sits on the desk. The image was originally published in the Architectural Forum in June 1942. — Workshop in the McDonnell Aircraft Company’s Machinery Department at Lambert Field. Photo from The Missouri Historical Society.

Black-and-white photograph of an open magazine spread from Curtiss Fly Leaf, Vol. XXV, No. 1, published in 1942. The pages display a collection of sixteen smaller images, each showcasing different stages of aircraft production during World War II. The photographs capture assembly line workers, engineers, and technicians engaged in various tasks such as riveting, welding, and inspecting airplane components. Some images highlight large fuselage sections under construction, while others depict workers operating machinery in a bustling factory setting. The magazine layout, bound with metal rings, reflects the era’s focus on mass production and industrial efficiency in support of the war effort.

Two black-and-white photographs from the 1940s depicting wartime aircraft production workers.

Black-and-white photograph of a large aircraft assembly facility, featuring multiple Curtiss AT-9 and CW-22 trainer aircraft in various stages of production. The expansive factory floor is filled with neatly arranged planes, workstations, and industrial equipment. The high ceiling, supported by a network of steel beams, is lined with large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the workspace. In the foreground, several nearly completed aircraft face the camera, while others extend into the background, demonstrating the scale of wartime aircraft manufacturing. The words 'Curtiss Trainers' are prominently displayed at the bottom of the image, marking the production focus of the facility.

Black-and-white photograph from 1940 capturing a Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando aircraft flying over Lambert Field during a public event. A large crowd of spectators, dressed in period attire, gathers on the tarmac, watching the plane in flight. An American flag and a grandstand decorated with patriotic bunting are visible in the foreground, suggesting an official ceremony or aircraft unveiling. A vintage automobile is parked near the crowd, and another aircraft is stationed on the field in the background. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, adding to the grandeur of the moment, as the C-46 soars overhead.

Factory on Overdrive

The Curtiss-Wright factory in St. Louis played a key role in supplying airplanes to the U.S. military during World War II (1941-1945). The war caused a worker shortage, so Curtiss-Wright became a leader in training women for factory jobs. Women trained to be welders, riveters, inspectors, and assembly line workers. The company also encouraged people of all backgrounds to apply for training programs. Black and White workers were segregated from each other at the St. Louis plant. Workers were assigned to work on separate floors in racially separated production units.

During World War II, the Curtiss-Wright factory in St. Louis went from building airplanes for fighting (A-25 dive bombers) to building airplanes for transporting people and supplies (C-46 Commando). The C-46 Commando was originally designed to carry passengers, but it was turned into a twin-engine plane that could haul cargo and troops during the war. After the war, most C- 46s continued to be used for cargo instead of passengers. The St. Louis factory also produced numerous AT-9 and CW-22 trainer aircraft which were instrumental in training scores of new pilots entering the war effort.

After World War II, Curtiss-Wright planned to convert their St. Louis factory to build civilian airplanes. They wanted to make a passenger version of their military C-46 transport plane, called the CW-20. However, demand suffered as a result of the influx of used military aircraft that flooded the market after the war.

Because of this, Curtiss-Wright gave up the factory in July 1945. The government took over to finish building any airplanes already ordered. In 1948, the factory wasn’t sold, but instead leased to a new company called McDonnell Aircraft. This company had already been using smaller buildings at Lambert Airport.

Secret Weapons and Space Dreams

McDonnell Aircraft, started by James McDonnell in 1939, also built airplanes in a factory near Lambert Field. Many significant aircraft were produced at the location, including the XFD-1 Phantom. The XFD-1 Phantom was the first jet fighter to land on an aircraft carrier. Following World War II, the company got even busier with orders for more jets from the military.

After the war, McDonnell kept building successful fighter jets in St. Louis, like the F2H Banshee. The Banshee was so successful, the road adjacent to the factory was renamed after it – Banshee Road.

McDonnell continued to develop and produce world renowned fighter jets like the F3H Demon, F- 101 Voodoo, and F-4 Phantom II throughout the 1950s and 1960s. These jets saw extensive service during the Korean War and Vietnam. In particular, the F-4 Phantom II became one of the most significant military jet fighters of the 20th century, with more than 5000 being produced. It played a pivotal role in Vietnam and has been in operation with many countries.

The St. Louis factory also helped NASA launch astronauts into space. In 1959, McDonnell was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to produce spacecraft for the Mercury and Gemini programs. Space capsules for both programs were assembled in white rooms at the St. Louis facility.

In 1966, McDonnell joined forces with another big aircraft company, Douglas, to become McDonnell Douglas. This powerhouse company continued building famous fighter jets in St. Louis like the F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, and AV-8B Harrier vertical takeoff and landing jet which were relied upon in recent conflicts like the Gulf War and Afghanistan.

Color photograph from August 1978 showing the assembly of an AV-8B Harrier II aircraft at the McDonnell Douglas facility in St. Louis. The partially constructed aircraft is surrounded by multiple orange work platforms, allowing engineers and technicians to access various sections of the fuselage and wings. Workers, dressed in casual attire, are engaged in assembling, inspecting, and securing components, with technical drawings spread across the aircraft’s surface. The aircraft’s frame is in an early stage of production, with exposed internal structures and a mix of primer-coated and unpainted surfaces. The background features industrial workbenches and additional aerospace components, illustrating the complex manufacturing process of this vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) fighter jet. — AV-8B Assembly in St. Louis

A nighttime photograph of a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet parked on a wet tarmac, with the illuminated red neon McDonnell Douglas sign glowing in the background. The aircraft, painted in light gray with U.S. Navy insignia and McDonnell Douglas branding on the tail, is reflected in the puddles on the tarmac, creating a striking visual effect. The red glow from the sign contrasts with the dark night sky and the bright white and gray tones of the aircraft. The image showcases the advanced design of the Super Hornet and highlights McDonnell Douglas' role in military aviation before its merger with Boeing. — The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet made its first flight in November 1995. The Super Hornet is an advanced version of the combat-proven F/A-18 Hornet and is produced in the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. The F/A-18E/F is 25 percent larger than the original Hornet and has increased maneuverability, range, payload and more powerful engines. It entered operational service with the U.S. Navy in 1999 and flew its first combat missions in 2002.

Color photograph of engineers and technicians assembling two Gemini space capsules in a cleanroom at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis during the 1960s. The workers, dressed in white coveralls, gloves, and caps, carefully inspect and install components on the spacecraft, which are mounted on wheeled stands. The capsules have a conical black heat shield and an open front section revealing intricate wiring and internal systems. The cleanroom features a polished blue floor and bright overhead lighting, emphasizing the meticulous environment required for spacecraft assembly. — Eleven months before America announced a plan to orbit a man around the Earth, the engineering team in St. Louis began work on the project. The Mercury spacecraft that emerged from the NASA competition drew the plaudits of the world as people of all nations shared this great adventure.

Color photograph from December 27, 1963, showing the final assembly line of McDonnell Aircraft’s F-4 Phantom II fighter jets inside a vast industrial facility in St. Louis. The large hangar is filled with rows of partially assembled aircraft in various stages of production, with work platforms and scaffolding surrounding them. Technicians and engineers are visible working on different sections of the jets, installing components and inspecting systems. Metal framework, cranes, and overhead lighting span the ceiling, highlighting the scale of military aircraft manufacturing during the Cold War. The image showcases McDonnell Aircraft’s pivotal role in producing the F-4 Phantom II, a fighter jet widely used by the U.S. military and allied forces. — Final assembly of F-4 Phantom II is carried out in the 15 acre area of Building 2, shown here. In 1963, Phantoms were delivered at the rate of more than one aircraft a day. Location: Bldg 2 – Post 5BC – Level 2.

Color photograph of a cleanroom assembly facility where McDonnell Aircraft Corporation engineers and technicians are constructing Apollo spacecraft modules. The expansive, brightly lit workspace is filled with white workstations, machinery, and partially assembled command and service modules. Workers, dressed in white cleanroom suits and caps, are meticulously assembling and inspecting components. In the foreground, a large Apollo command module with an open top reveals intricate wiring and internal structures. The scene highlights the precision and complexity of spacecraft manufacturing during the Apollo program, demonstrating McDonnell’s crucial role in advancing human space exploration. — The two-person Gemini spacecraft had nearly twice the room of the Mercury and included many technological improvements. Experience showed that much equipment could be placed outside the pressurized cabin and left behind at re-entry. Gemini propulsion systems allowed changes in orbit as well as re-entry maneuvers for pinpoint landings. NASA selected McDonnell to build the Gemini capsule in 1961, and it was delivered less than two years later. McDonnell also delivered the Agena target vehicle docking adapters and mission and docking simulators. Final splashdown of Gemini XII was Nov. 15, 1966.

Black-and-white photograph of two early U.S. Navy jet aircraft, the McDonnell FH-1 Phantom (left) and the McDonnell F2H Banshee (right), parked side by side on a concrete tarmac outside a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation facility. The aircraft have sleek, dark fuselages with U.S. military insignia and 'McDonnell' branding displayed on their noses. Both jets feature straight wings and single-seat cockpits, with pilots visible inside. — McDonnell F2H Banshee (1947-1953): The U.S. Navy’s F2H Banshee was first ordered on March 1945, shortly after the first flight of the FH-1 Phantom. Although it bore a clear resemblance to the Phantom, the two engines of the F2H delivered twice the thrust of the FH-1. After a first flight on January 11, 1947, the Banshee was ordered into production in day-fighter, night-fighter and photo reconnaissance versions. The F2H could climb at a rate of 9,000 feet per minute, nearly twice that of other aircraft of the day. In 1949 the Banshee became the first jet aircraft to set a 52,000 foot altitude record. The Banshee performed a major role in the Korean War as a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, a part dramatized by author James Michener in his novel The Bridges at Toko-Ri. The McDonnell plant in St. Louis delivered the last of 895 Banshees in 1953.

"Color photograph of a U.S. Air Force McDonnell F-101 Voodoo parked on the tarmac outside the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation facility. The aircraft is painted in a polished silver finish with bold red-orange markings on the fuselage and tail, displaying the USAF insignia and the aircraft number '60165.' The sleek design of the F-101, with its pointed nose and swept-back wings, is visible. Another F-101 is partially visible in the background, along with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation building, featuring the company’s name in elegant script. — F-101 Voodoo, Sun Run aircraft on flight ramp at McDonnell Aircraft, MSF57-D4C-607, 11/1/1957

Color photograph of an aircraft assembly line inside a Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) facility, showing multiple F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in various stages of production. The aircraft are covered in yellow-green primer, with their wings, tails, and fuselages partially assembled. Orange scaffolding and work platforms surround each jet, allowing engineers and technicians to install components. In the foreground, workers are seen handling aircraft parts. A large banner on the wall in the background reads '10,000 Jets for Freedom,' commemorating the production milestone. — In the 1990s, McDonnell Douglas reached the 10,000 Jets for Freedom milestone in March 1993. This milestone signified the total of all jets built in the company’s St. Louis facilities. At the time, the company was building F-15Es for the USAF and other variations of the F-15E for the Saudis and for Israel. During final assembly in St. Louis, the forward, center, and aft fuselage assemblies are joined, followed by the wing assemblies. Once the structural splice is completed, mechanical and electrical subsystems are installed and checked out.

High-resolution photograph featuring three advanced military aircraft—the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, the F-15 Eagle, and the T-X trainer—parked side by side on a large concrete tarmac in St. Louis. The aircraft are symmetrically positioned, showcasing their sleek aerodynamic designs, with the T-X trainer in the center, flanked by the F/A-18E on the left and the F-15 on the right. The background features a modern aircraft hangar with large glass windows and metal paneling. This image highlights St. Louis’ role as a key hub for military aircraft production and innovation.

F/A-18F Super Hornet takes off on test flight Feb. 26, 2004.

"High-resolution photograph of a Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle prototype displayed under bright lighting against a backdrop of blue curtains. The aircraft, an advanced variant of the F-15 fighter jet, features a sleek gray paint scheme with low-visibility markings. Its twin-seat cockpit is illuminated with blue lighting, showcasing the modern avionics and controls inside. The aircraft's conformal weapon bays and radar-absorbing coatings are part of its stealth enhancements. — The F-15 Silent Eagle features cost-effective stealth technologies as well as redesigned conformal fuel tanks that allow for internal weapons carriage.

"High-resolution photograph of a Boeing T-X advanced trainer jet taking off from a runway with its afterburner engaged. The aircraft, designed for the U.S. Air Force, features a sleek, black-and-gray livery with 'TX' and 'N381TX' marked on its twin vertical stabilizers. The tandem-seat cockpit is occupied by two pilots wearing helmets and flight gear. Heat distortion from the engine is visible behind the aircraft as it ascends. — T-X takeoff in St. Louis, Missouri in 2017. The first Boeing T-X trainer aircraft was revealed to the public in St. Louis on Tuesday, September 13th, 2016.

Soaring into the Future

At the dawn of the 21st century, Boeing set the runway for future dominance in St. Louis with a $250 million expansion. Their centerpiece? A state-of-the-art facility to assemble the game-changing. Joint Strike Fighter. But Boeing’s vision wasn’t just about one plane. They were plotting an entire mission.

Fast forward to today, and Boeing’s St. Louis chapter is still being written. Their sights are set on the next generation of aerial warriors. A brand new 1.1 million square foot facility is under construction. This investment hints at Boeing’s commitment to innovation and their ambition to stay at the forefront of defense technology.

One thing remains constant: Boeing’s legacy in St. Louis. It’s a story that began with the pioneering spirit of Curtiss-Wright, and it’s a story poised to take flight with groundbreaking projects on the horizon. St. Louis and Boeing – a partnership that promises to keep the skies abuzz with innovation for years to come..

Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Factory: History