Vought OS2U Kingfisher
Technical Information

Background
The Kingfisher was the first catapult-launched monoplane used by the U.S. Navy (USN). Manufactured in both float and land configurations. Used for observation, anti-submarine and as a rescue aircraft.

Wartime History
The most famous rescues involving a Kingfisher was the rescue of the crew of B-17D Flying Fortress 40-3089 including Captain Edward V. "Eddie" Rickenbacker that ditched October 21, 1942 then floated in life rafts for 22 days at sea. An OS2U 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 island with everyone aboard.

Technical Details (OS2U-3)
Crew  Two (Pilot, Observer)
Engine  1 x Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 Wasp Junior 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine 450 hp with two bladed propeller
Wingspan  35 ft 10.7 in / 10.940 m
Length  33 ft 7.2 in / 10.241m
Height  14 ft 8 in / 4.47 m
Maximum Speed  171 mph / 275 kmh at 5,000'
Range  908 miles / 1,461 km / 789 nautical miles
Armament  (nose) .30 caliber machine gun with 500 rounds (rear) .30 caliber machine gun with 600 rounds
Bombs  650 pounds of bombs or depth charges