Douglas YOA-5
| YOA-5 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Seaplane bomber |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1935 |
| Introduction | 1935 |
| Retired | 1943 |
| Status | Prototype |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Corps |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Douglas XP3D |
The Douglas YOA-5 was an Amphibious aircraft designed for the United States Army Air Corps. Although a prototype was built, it did not enter production.
Design and development
In November 1932, the U.S. Army ordered the development of an amphibious reconnaissance aircraft/bomber, intended to act as navigation leaders and rescue aircraft for formations of conventional bombers. The resultant aircraft, which was ordered under the bomber designation YB-11, was designed in parallel with the similar but larger Douglas XP3D patrol flying boat for the United States Navy. It was a high-winged monoplane with two Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engines mounted in individual nacelles above the wing, resembling an enlarged version of the Douglas Dolphin.[1]
Prior to completion, it was redesignated firstly as an observation aircraft YO-44 and then as the YOA-5 'observation amphibian model 5'. It first flew during January 1935, and was delivered to the army during February that year.[1] The concept for which it was designed proved impracticable, and no further production ensued, but the YOA-5 was used to set two world distance records for amphibians, being finally scrapped in December 1943.[2]
Operators
Variants
- YB-11
- An amphibious reconnaissance bomber ordered in 1932 by the US Army Air Corps.
- YO-44
- The YB-11 redesignated in the Observation category before completion.
- YOA-5
- Another redesignation to the Observation Amphibian category. One built, given the aforementioned designations at various times in its life.
Specifications (YB-11)
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
- Guns: 3× .30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns
See also
Related lists
- List of bomber aircraft
- List of military aircraft of the United States
- List of seaplanes and flying boats
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Francillon, René. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920. London:Putnam, 1979. ISBN 0-370-00050-1.
External links
