OS2U-3 Based on the OS2U-2 with self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, two 0.30 in (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.

Mar 7, 2021 · The OS2U-3 became the Number one artillery spotter plane for battleships, its main task, while also performing long range reconnaissance and recognition of ships previously …

The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee).

The OS2U-3 became the Number one artillery spotter plane for battleships, its main task, while also performing long range reconnaissance and recognition of ships previously spotted on radar.

Originally designed to provide enhanced fire-direction for U.S. Navy Battleships, the Kingfisher could handle many tasks, from reconnaissance to search-and-rescue. Although the type has now slipped into obscurity, it was one of WWII’s great un-sung heroes. The Kingfisher pulled off some remarkable feats as a search-and-rescue platform.

Flying from battleships, heavy cruisers and land bases during World War II, the Vought Sikorsky OS2U Kingfisher served throughout the Pacific in a variety of roles, from naval gunfire spotting,...

The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant with just over 1000 units built. It was the only exported variant and it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee).

Two-seat monoplane, deflector plate flaps hung from the trailing edge of the wing, ailerons drooped at low airspeeds to function like extra flaps, spoilers. The Kingfisher was the U.S. Navy's primary ship-based, scout and observation aircraft during World War II.

The OS2U-3, eventually the most widely known “Kingfisher”, was introduced in 1941. This model had the latest P&W-985 (AN-2) engine, extra fuel tanks in the wings, and additional armor protection for the crew. Vought produced 1,006 OS2U3’s.

Vought OS2U-2 / 3 "Kingfisher" Historical Information: The Vought OS2U Kingfisher, a scout and observation floatplane, began service with the Navy beginning in August 1940. They were built using spot welding.

The Coast Guard flew both the OS2U-2 and OS2U-3 models, the OS2U-3 being distinguished from the "2" model by having extra fuel tanks and better armor protection for the pilot and crew than the earlier production models.

Three U.S. Navy Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes (equipped with landing gear) of Observation Squadron VO 3 assigned to the battleship USS Mississippi.

U.S. Navy battleships normally carried three OS2U’s, while light cruisers of the Omaha Class carried two. Carriers normally carried a complement of four. For a short time, May 1940 to December 1943, OS2U’s were operational experimentally from U.S. Navy destroyers.

Beginning in March 1942 the Coast Guard received the first of 76 Kingfishers; The Kingfishers were modified for Coast Guard use and were designated OS2U-3s. Their primary purpose was to provide the Coast Guard’s early anti-submarine efforts along the coastlines of the United States.

Image: 80-G-K-13592: OS2U-3 "Kingfisher" aircraft hoisted onto a battleship catapult, late 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

An OS2U-3 spotting for the invasion of Palau Island in 1944 (U.S. Navy) The Kingfisher’s greatest accolades came from its role rescuing downed airmen from the Pacific.

The OS2U-3 was similar to the OS2U-2, with modifications to facilitate mass production. In addition the OS2U-3 included more fuel tankage and a better armor arrangement.

Apr 4, 2023 · The Vought OS2U Kingfisher was truly a remarkable aircraft, crafted for its unparalleled versatility and durability. It could perform an array of tasks that ranged from reconnaissance and observation to rescue missions and even light bombing.

Vought OS2U-3 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, anti-submarine aircraft, and rescue aircraft.

There is a restored OS2U on display aboard USS North Carolina, in Wilmington, NC. My father flew a Kingfisher off the battleship New Jersey towards the end of the war. He took numerous …