Vought O5U

The Vought O5U was a 1930s prototype American observation floatplane to meet a United States Navy requirement for a catapult launched scouting aircraft. The contract was won by Curtiss who went on to produce the SOC Seagull; only one O5U was built.[1]

O5U
Role Observation floatplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Vought
First flight 8 May 1934
Number built 1

Development

The United States Navy contracted three companies to produce prototypes to meet a requirement for a catapult launched biplane, with a central float and folding wings. Douglas produced the XO2D-1, Curtiss the XO3C-1 and Vought the XO5U-1.

The XO5U-1 (serial number 9399) was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340-12 piston engine[2] and first flew on the 8 May 1934.[1]

The contract was awarded to Curtiss and only one XO5U-1 was built. The Status of Naval Aircraft, dated June 1937, listed the XO5U-1 as assigned at Mustin Field at the Naval Aircraft Factory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[3] It crashed in May 1938.

Specifications (XO5U-1)

Data from [4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 32 ft 6 in (9.91 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft (11 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340 9-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine, 500 hp (370 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 155 mph (249 km/h, 135 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 15,100 ft (4,600 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
Notes
  1. Michael O'Leary (November 2002). "Heroic Seagull". Air Classics.
  2. Andrade 1979, p. 205
  3. Larkins, William T., "U.S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941 / U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft 1914-1959", Orion Books, a division of Crown Books, New York, 1988, Library of Congress card number 88-17753, ISBN 0-517-56920-5, page 202.
  4. Eckland, K.O. "Vought". USA: Aerofiles.com. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
Bibliography
  • Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
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