Curtiss O-52 Owl

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Curtiss O-52 Owl

In the 1930s the US Army notified Curtiss Wright of its requirements for a two-seat observation aircraft. As a result Curtiss designed their Model 85 aircraft, which showed that efforts had clearly been made to confer good low-speed manoeuverability and landing characteristics. Ordered into production in 1939, some 203 Owls were built for the US Army under the designation O-52, with deliveries beginning in 1940. None, however, were used in first-line service, all being directed for use in training roles.

Type: observation aircraft

Crew: 2: Pilot, observer/gunner

Armament: one .30 cal forward firing machine gun

one .30 cal rear firing machine gun

Specifications:

Length: 26' 4" (8.03 m)

Height: 9' 3.25" (2.83 m)

Wingspan: 40' 9.5" (12.43 m)

Weight: 5364 lb (2433 kg) max at takeoff

Propulsion:

Engines: 1

Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp radial

600 hp

Performance:

Range: 700 miles (1127 km)

Speed: 220 mph ( 354 km/h)

Ceiling: 21,000 ft (6400 m)


	Classic Combat Aircraft \| home Curtiss O-52 Owl In the 1930s the US Army notified Curtiss Wright of its requirements for a two-seat observation aircraft. As a result Curtiss designed their Model 85 aircraft, which showed that efforts had clearly been made to confer good low-speed manoeuverability and landing characteristics. Ordered into production in 1939, some 203 Owls were built for the US Army under the designation O-52, with deliveries beginning in 1940. None, however, were used in first-line service, all being directed for use in training roles. Type: observation aircraft Crew: 2: Pilot, observer/gunner Armament: one .30 cal forward firing machine gun one .30 cal rear firing machine gun Specifications: Length: 26' 4" (8.03 m) Height: 9' 3.25" (2.83 m) Wingspan: 40' 9.5" (12.43 m) Weight: 5364 lb (2433 kg) max at takeoff Propulsion: Engines: 1 Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp radial 600 hp Performance: Range: 700 miles (1127 km) Speed: 220 mph ( 354 km/h) Ceiling: 21,000 ft (6400 m)