The Vought OS2U Kingfisher was a catapult-launched, observation floatplane. The OS2U was a neat, compact mid-wing monoplane, with a big central float and small stabilising floats. Performance was modest, because of its light engine. The OS2U could also operate on fixed, wheeled landing gear. For the US Navy, the OS2U was with 1519 built the most used shipboard observation aircraft, and the most popular one of World War II --- although that doesn't mean that much, the competition including failed aircraft such as the SO3C and SC. The OS2U not only served on the battleships and cruisers of the USN, but also with the Royal Navy and the USCG.

Specifications (OS2U-3)

General Characteristics

• Crew: two, pilot and observer
• Length: 33 ft 0 in (10.08 m)
• Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.69 m)
• Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m)
• Wing area: 262 ft² (24 m²)
• Empty: 848 lb (1,870 kg)
• Loaded: lb ( kg)
• Maximum takeoff: 1,234 lb (2,721 kg)
• Powerplant: 1x Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2, 443 hp (330 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 164 mph (264 km/h)
• Range: 1,155 miles (1,860 km)
• Service ceiling: 13,000 ft (3,960 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

Armament

• 2x .30 machine guns
• 650 lb (295 kg) bomb

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft: Arado Ar 196

Designation sequence: OSU - OS2U