Built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft in Bath, New York, in 1914,[1] it was the creation of Benjamin D. Thomas (later the company's chief designer), based on his Curtiss JN-4 (which it resembles),[2] and used the 90 hp (67 kW) Austro-Daimler.[1]
Twenty-four aircraft, in two batches, were provided to the Royal Naval Air Service, the Austro-Daimler being replaced by a similar-horsepower Curtiss OX-5[3]
An additional fifteen,[3] differing in being fitted with floats in place of wheels, a 100hp Thomas[3] among other engines[2] in place of the OX-5, and three-bay wings spanning 44 ft (13.41 m),[2] were sold to the United States Navy as the SH-4.[3] at US$7,575 each.[2]
24 examples[3]
15 examples designated SH-4[3]