Vought-Sikorsky OS2U
Kingfisher
The Kingfisher was the
U.S. Navy's first catapult-launched monoplane observation aircraft.
It came in both float and land-based configurations, and served
as observer aircraft, antisubmarine aircraft, and rescue aircraft.
The most famous incident involving a Kingfisher
was the rescue of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, who ditched in the Pacific in
a B-17 during 1942. A Kingfisher picked up
Rickenbacker and two other crew members (who still remained following a rescue
the previous day) but the Kingfisher could not take off because the load was
too great. The OS2U pilot taxied on the surface over 40 miles to make the
nearest land fall with everyone aboard!
|
|
Role |
Scout Plane |
|
Crew |
2 Pilot, observer/gunner |
|
Engines |
One Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 or -8,
450 horsepower |
|
Span |
35' 11" |
|
Length |
33' 10" |
|
Height |
15' 1" |
|
Max. Speed |
164 mph |
|
Range |
805 miles |
|
Armament |
1 x .30 cal forward firing
1 x .30 cal rear firing |
|
Bombload |
two 100 lbs .bombs,
or
325 lb. depth charges |
|