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, tail dragger landing gear.
Variants
XOS2U-1
Prototype Vought Model VS.310 powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-4 engine, one built.
OS2U-1
Initial production variant as the prototype but powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-48, 54 built.
OS2U-2
Production variant with minor equipment changes and powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-50, 158 built.
OS2U-3
Based on the OS2U-2 with self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, two .30 cal (7.62 mm) guns (dorsal and nose mounted), and able to carry 325 lb (147 kg) of depth charges or 100 lb (45 kg) bombs, powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine, 1006 built.
OS2U-4
Two aircraft converted with narrow-chord and high-aspect ratio wings, also fitted with full-span flaps.
Not developed.
OS2N-1
Naval Aircraft Factory built OS2U-3 with a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 or -AN-8 engine, 300 built.
Kingfisher I
British designation for the OS2U-3, 100 delivered to the Royal Navy.
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
33 ft 7.2 in (10.241 m)
Wingspan
35 ft 10.7 in (10.940 m)
Height
14 ft 8 in (4.47 m)
Wing area
261.9 sq ft (24.33 m2)
Airfoil
Root
NACA 23015
Tip
NACA 23009
Empty weight
3,335 lb (1,513 kg)
Gross weight
4,980 lb (2,259 kg)
Max take-off weight
6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Fuel capacity
144 US gal (120 imp gal; 545 l) in an integral wing tank
