A design of 1917, the Standard E-1 was intended for use as a small and nimble fighter, and the first two prototypes were tested as such. However, following this evaluation, the type was ordered as a fighter trainer. The initial batch comprised 33 aircraft powered by a 100-hp Gnome, followed by a batch of 60 with the 80-hp Le Rhône and provision for a gun (known as the M-Defense) and finally 75 Le Rhône-powered E-1s. Three E-1s were later converted by Sperry for radio-controlled aerial torpedo work.