Engine designer Charles B. Kirkham, wanting a fast aircraft to test K-12 engine, designed 18-T fighter, built by Curtiss and flown 5 July 1918. Soon captured national speed and height records. Often called Curtiss-Kirkham or simply Curtiss 18-T, but it was Kirkham aircraft subcontracted to Curtiss for manufacture. In 1920s Kirkham Products designed aircraft to order.