Douglas O43 Observation Scout
Model Airplane News Cover Art for December, 1934
by Jo Kotula
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The Douglas O-43 was a monoplane observation aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps.

  

Douglas O43 Observation Scout
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As a speculative venture, Douglas built a light commercial plane called the O-31 and demonstrated it for the Army. Five service-test aircraft were ordered by the Army and given designation YO-31. After testing, a wire-braced parasol wing, new fin and rudder made the final configuration of the O-43, After trials, the Army requested a deepened fuselage to eliminatethe ventral bulge under the observer's position and taller vertical surfaces with an inset rudder. The canopy was enlarged, and fully enclosed both cockpits; this model was designated the O-43-A. The O-43 and O-43A served with the USSAC observation squadrons for several years before being assigned to National Guard units.

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