VINTAGE VIEWS OF NEW YORK
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 In 1907, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN offered  a trophy  for a  straight, powered flight of one kilometer (3281 feet). The trophy would be offered again for each of the next two years. The tasks required for the remaining competitions, would be set each year, and they were expected to increase in difficulty.

The Wright brothers could easily make the flight, but they refused to make public flights. (At one point they were so afraid of competitors spying on their testing, they disassembled their aeroplane, and stopped flying for three years!)

Drome No, 2, White Wing  had crashed on its fourth flight, and Curtiss wanted his Drome #3 to be built to win the trophy..

Using the basic design from White Wing he reused it's V8 engine, he shortened the propeller, reduced the size of wings and tail, installed larger ailerons and made several other changes to obtain the fast, highly controllable airplane he wanted. In June, 1908 Drome No. 3 was taken to Stony Brook Farm for its first flight. Dr. Bell renamed the craft 'June Bug' after the beetles that filled the air at the farm.

On June 21 Curtiss made three flights of : 456 feet, 417 feet and 1266 feet. Two more flights were made four days later: 2175 feet and 3420 feet.