Vought OS2U Kingfisher
Observation floatplane (in service 1938-59) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Vought OS2U Kingfisher is an American catapult-launched observation floatplane. It was a compact mid-wing monoplane, with a large central float and small stabilizing floats. Performance was modest because of its low-powered engine. The OS2U could also operate on fixed, wheeled, taildragger landing gear.
OS2U Kingfisher | |
---|---|
Role | Observation floatplane |
Manufacturer | Vought |
First flight | 1938 |
Retired | 1959 (Cuba) |
Primary users | United States Navy Royal Navy Royal Australian Air Force Soviet Navy |
Number built | 1,519 |
The OS2U was the main shipboard observation seaplane used by the United States Navy during World War II, and 1,519 of the aircraft were built.[citation needed] It served on battleships and cruisers of the U.S. Navy, with the United States Marine Corps in Marine Scouting Squadron Three (VMS-3), with the United States Coast Guard at coastal air stations; at sea with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy; with the Soviet Navy; and with the Royal Australian Air Force.
The Naval Aircraft Factory OS2N was the designation of the OS2U-3 aircraft built by the Naval Aircraft Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The OS2U first flew on 1 March 1938.[citation needed]