The OS2U Kingfisher was a versatile catapult-launched reconnaissance floatplane developed by Vought for the United States Navy in the late 1930s. Its biplane design featured a fabric-covered wooden structure and large pontoons for water takeoffs and landings. The Kingfisher played a pivotal role in World War II, excelling in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, anti-submarine warfare, and air-sea rescue missions. Known for its adaptability, it served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, providing crucial support in major naval engagements. The OS2U Kingfisher’s legacy endures as an unassuming yet indispensable aircraft in the history of aviation.
Photo: A Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane is hoisted aboard the U.S. Navy battleship USS Missouri (BB-63).
Date: summer 1944.
