Vought O5U

O5U

National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Vought
First flight: 8 May 1934
Number built: 1

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.

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 X02D-1, Curtiss the X03C-1 and Vought the XO5U-1.

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

The contract was awarded to Curtiss and only one X05U-1 was built, it crashed in May 1938.

Specifications (XO5U-1)

Comparable aircraft

Curtiss O3C
Douglas O2D

Bibliography

Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.

Vought O5U Pictures

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia