|
|
The XOS2U-1 prototype of this two-seat observation/scout monoplane was delivered to the US Navy in 1938 and the first production OS2U-1 went into service in 1940. Two further and generally similar series, the OS2U-2 and -3, followed - the latter also going into production at the Naval Aircraft Factory as the OS2N-1. The British Kingfisher I was a counterpart of the OS2U-3. Total production amounted to about 1,925 aircraft.
| MODEL | OS2U-3 |
| CREW | 2 |
| ENGINE | 1 x Pratt-Whitney R-985-AN-2, 336kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 2722 kg | 6001 lb |
| Empty weight | 1870 kg | 4123 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 10.95 m | 35 ft 11 in |
| Length | 10.31 m | 33 ft 10 in |
| Height | 4.61 m | 15 ft 1 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 264 km/h | 164 mph |
| Ceiling | 3960 m | 13000 ft |
| Range | 1300 km | 808 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 2 x 7.62mm machine-guns, 2 x 45-kg bombs |
| Hal Gettings, halgett(@)cfl.rr.com, 14.08.2008 I flew in the OS2U in an ASW squadron at Banana River FL. We carried two 325-lb depth charges and if there was little wind it was almost impossible to get off the water with a full load of gas it was so underpowered. We lost one plane because it couldn't clear a low tank on shore. Fuel gauges, especially the reserve tank, were notoriously inaccurate and we had numerous instances of unanticipated landings. Nobody had anything good to say about the plane. | | Bruce Ford, bfor(@)consolidated.net, 03.06.2008 During WWII my father was a crew cheif stationed at BORA BORA and working on the OS2U-3 Kingfisher. The squadron he was with was responsible for having found " Eddie Rickinbacker ( later ADMIRAL ) after 30 days lost at sea.
He always said it was one tough aircraft. |
|
Do you have any comments about this aircraft ?
|
| |
