The OS2U Kingfisher was a product of the Vought aircraft firm, appearing initially as the VS.310 design to which the United States Navy accepted as a prototype in the XOS2U-1. The prototype would be airborne for trials by 1938 and fitted with the Pratt & Whitney R-985-4 Wasp Junior radial piston engine of 450 horsepower. After passing trials with the US Navy, the system was given the green light for full production and operational status as the OS2U "Kingfisher" series, serving as catapult launched floatplanes capable of adapting to landing on airstrips as well with some modification to the landing system.
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Specifications
Vought - USA Manufacturer(s)
Australia; Chile; Cuba; Dominican Republic; Mexico; Netherlands; Soviet Union; United Kingdom; United States; Uruguay Operators
MARITIME / NAVY
Land-based or shipborne capability for operating over-water in various maritime-related roles while supported by allied naval surface elements.
INTELLIGENCE-SURVEILLANCE-RECONNAISSANCE
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
33.6 ft (10.24 meters) Length
35.9 ft (10.95 meters) Width/Span
15.1 ft (4.60 meters) Height
4,123 lb (1,870 kilograms) Empty Weight
6,001 lb (2,722 kilograms) Maximum Take-Off Weight
+1,878 lb (+852 kg) Weight Difference
1 x Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 or R-985-AN-8 air-cooled engine developing 450 horsepower. Propulsion
STANDARD:
1 x 7.62mm machine gun in forward fixed firing position
1 x 7.62mm machine gun in rear cockpit position
OPTIONAL:
Maximum bomb load of up to 650lbs (including depth charges).
2 Hardpoints
XOS2U-1 - Prototype Model Designation; fitted with Pratt & Whitney R-985-4 Wasp Junior radial piston engine at 450hp.
OS2U-1 - Initial Production Model Designation; fitted with R-985-48 engine; 54 examples produced.
OS2U-2 - Fitted with R-985-50 engine; 158 examples produced.
OS2U-3 - Production Variant appearing in quantity; fitted with R-985-An02 engine; increased fuel capacity and operational range; improved armor protection for crew cabin; 1,006 examples produced; self-sealing fuel tanks; provision for 2 x depth charges.
OS2U-4 - Proposed Improved Model with revised tailplane, wings, flaps and more powerful engine; never produced.
OS2N-1 - Based on the OS2U but production undertaken with the Naval Aircraft Factory.
Kingfisher Mk I - British Fleet Air Arm Designation for the OS2U-3 model series selected by 1941; seen in trainer and catapult launched scout forms.
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