Douglas O-43
| O-43 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Observation |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| Introduction | 1930 |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Corps |
| Number built | 24[1] |
| Developed from | Douglas O-31 |
The Douglas O-43 was a monoplane observation aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps.
Development
Five Y1O-31A service-test aircraft were ordered in 1931, and delivered to the USAAC in early 1933 designated Y1O-43. They differed from the final configuration of the O-31A, with a wire-braced parasol wing, and a new fin and rudder. An order for 23 O-43A aircraft was completed during 1934, with a deepened fuselage, which eliminated the need for the ventral bulge under the observer's position. Powered by a single 675 hp Curtiss V-1570-59 inline engine, it also had taller vertical surfaces with an inset rudder similar to the O-31A. The canopy was enlarged, and fully enclosed both cockpits. The O-43 and O-43A served with the USSAC observation squadrons for several years before being assigned to National Guard units,[2] such as the 111th Observation Squadron Brownwood Airfield Texas, 15th Observation Squadron Fort Sill Oklahoma, and 3rd Observation Squadron Langley Field Virginia.
The 24th airframe of the O-43A contract was completed as the XO-46 prototype (see Douglas O-46).
Specifications (O-43)
Data from "United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" by F. G. Swanborough & Peter M. Bowers (Putnam New York, ISBN 0-85177-816-X) 1964, 596 pp.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (pilot and observer)
- Airfoil: fabric covered parasol
Performance
Armament
- 1 fixed and 1 flexible .30 cal (7.62 mm) Browning machine gun
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- ^ "U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946" by James C. Fahey, 1946, 64pp.
- ^ "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft" cover Editors: Paul Eden & Soph Moeng, (Amber Books Ltd. Bradley's Close, 74-77 White Lion Street, London, NI 9PF, 2002, ISBN 0-7607-3432-1), 1152 pp.
External links
