Vought O2U-1 “Corsair”

Vought O2U-1 “Corsair” United States Naval Air Service 1927

The O2U Corsair was designed and built by the Chance-Vought Corporation, and ordered by the US Navy in 1927 for utilization as a scout/observation aircraft. There were wheeled and float versions, with the latter being adapted for catapult launch from larger navy ships. Originally powered by a 400 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp engine, it incorporated a steel-tube fuselage structure and a wood wing structure with fabric covering. Later models used a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-1690-42 Hornet engine. Many models were exported to other countries, including Argentina, Peru, China, Brazil, Mexico, and Thailand. About 140 O2Us were still serving with the US Navy at the start of World War II. The most famous "combat" operation of the Corsair was in shooting King Kong off the Empire State Building, in the original film.