What was the first aircraft purchased by the Navy from Glenn Curtis in 1911?

The first aircraft purchased by the Navy from Glenn Curtiss in 1911 was the A-1 Triad. This aircraft holds historical significance as it was one of the earliest naval aircraft and marked a pivotal moment in military aviation. The A-1 Triad was designed for versatility and was unique in its capability to take off and land on both water and land, featuring a float for operations over water and conventional landing gear for terrestrial landing.

In 1911, the U.S. Navy recognized the potential of aviation in military applications, and the A-1 Triad became a foundational model that influenced future naval aircraft development. The aircraft represented the beginning of the Navy's investment in aviation technology, setting the stage for subsequent advancements and operational tactics involving aircraft carrier operations.

In contrast, the other options listed, like the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, and P-51 Mustang, were not in service during this early period of naval aviation. The Wildcat and Hellcat were introduced during World War II, and the P-51 Mustang was primarily associated with the Army Air Forces, making the A-1 Triad the clear historical choice as the first aircraft purchased by the Navy from Glenn Curtiss.