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Type: Capital ship based, catapult launched scout seaplane Origin: Curtiss Crew: Two (Pilot & Observer/Gunner) Model: XO3C-1, SOC-1, 2, 3 First Flight: 1933 Production: N/A POWERPLANT: SOC-3 Model: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-22 radial Type: Radial aircooled engine Number: One Horsepower: 550 hp DIMENSIONS: Wing span: 36 ft. (with wheels 26.8 ft.) Length: 31.1 ft. Height: N/A Wing Surface Area: 342 sq. ft.
WEIGHTS: |
PERFORMANCE: Maximum Speed: 162 mph at sea level Cruising Speed: N/A Climb Rate: N/A Service Ceiling: N/A Maximum Range: 6N/A ARMAMENT: One .30 machine gun fixed forward in wing. One .30 machine gun in rear flexible mount. Two small bombs under lower wing. COMMENTS: This aircraft was designed to be the eyes of battleships for gunnery control as well as to be a scout from cruisers. It's folding wings allowed it to fit in the hangers of cruisers and wheeled landing gear could be exchanged for the float, allowing land based and carrier operation. The Seagull was obsolete by the beginning of World War II and was replaced on most battleships by the Kingfisher. However, the Kingfisher lacked folding wings and was thus unsuitable for use on the smaller cruisers. Lacking a suitable replacement the Seagull continued on in service aboard cruisers throughout the war. A handful served for a short time in the postwar years. |
