Curtiss O-52 Owl

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_O-52_Owl

The Curtiss O-52 "Owl" was an observation aircraft used by the United States
Army Air Corps before and during World War II.

Developed in 1939, the Curtiss O-52 was the last "heavy" observation aircraft
developed for the US Army Air Corps. The concept of the two-seat observation
aircraft, classed as the "O" series aircraft, dated to World War I, and in 1940,
the Army Air Corps ordered 203 Curtiss O-52s for observation duties. By 1941,
the O-52 was no match for modern combat conditions.


Role
Reconnaissance

Manufacturer
Curtiss-Wright

First flight
1940

Introduction
1941

Primary users
United States Army Air Corps
Soviet Air Forces

Number built
203

Unit cost

$31,000

Upon delivery, the aircraft was used in military maneuvers with the USAAC, but
following America's entry into World War II, the USAAF determined that the
aircraft did not possess sufficient performance for "modern" combat operations
in overseas areas. As a result, the O-52 was relegated to courier duties within
the U.S. and short-range submarine patrol over the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans.

The O-52 was the last "O" type aircraft procured in quantity for the Air Corps.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the "O" designation was discontinued and
the "L" series for liaison-type aircraft was adopted instead.

In November 1942, the USSR ordered 30 O-52 Owls through the Lend-Lease program.
Twenty-six were shipped, with only 19 delivered as a number were lost on the
North Arctic Route. Of these only ten were accepted into service. They were used
operationally for artillery fire spotting and general photographic and
observation platforms in north and central areas on the Russian Front during
spring–summer 1943. One O-52 was shot down by Luftwaffe fighters. The aircraft
was generally disliked in Soviet use although some were still flying into the
1950s.

Specifications (O-52)

General characteristics
Length: 26 ft 4 in (8.03 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 9 in (12.43 m)
Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.83 m)
Wing area: 210.4 ft² (19.55 m²)
Empty weight: 4,213 lb (1,919 kg)
Loaded weight: 5,364 lb (2,433 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 radial engine, 600 hp (447 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 220 mph (191 knots, 354 km/h)
Cruise speed: 192 mph (167 knots,309 km/h)
Range: 700 miles (609 nmi, 1,127 km)
Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)

Armament

Guns: 1 × forward and 1 × rearward firing .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun




*