Vought O2U "Corsair"
Model Airplane News Cover Art for December, 1955
by Jo Kotula
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In 1925 the Navy issued specifications for a new observation airplane. Chance Vought Corporation submitted plans that won a contract for two prototypes. Nicknamed the "Corsair" it was the first service airplane designed around the 400 hp Pratt & Whitney Aircraft "Wasp" air-cooled engine. that the first reliable air-cooled radial to match the power of the existing inline water-cooled engines.

     

Vought O2U "Corsair"
Land, Carriers, Cruisers
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The Vought Corsair (designated O2U-1) became one of the most useful and versatile military airplanes ever produced. The Corsair was among the first to have an all-steel-tube fuselage with a round cross-section; although t was initially used as an observation aircraft, it quickly proved to be successful in a wide variety of combat roles. The O2U could be easily converted from fixed gear, to float-plane or to amphibian. It could be operated from shore, from carriers or catapult-launched from cruisers or battleships. Tt won immediate favor with the fleet and resulted in numerous government contracts for additional deliveries. The Corsair set four world altitude and speed records and gained such international prominence that foreign governments began placing orders.

With deliveries beginning in December 1927, the O2U Corsair went into immediate service with the Navy and the Marine Corps. In the 1928 Nicaraguan campaign, Marine Corsairs earned further distinctions by being the first planes ever to conduct an unsupported attack against fortified positions. Attacking a force of 1,500 rebels, four Corsairs began low-level strafing and light bombing against well armed positions. In this campaign, Lt. Frank Schilt, USMC, won the Medal of Honor while flying the Corsair.

When manufactured to export standards, the O2U was designated V-65. These models were "spiffed up" with a ring cowling and wheel "pants".

Click Here for more information about the Vought O2U "Corsair".

The Vought V-65 Export Model proved to be very attractive and Cleveland began offering a kit for the airplane almost at the same time Vought began to sell them to Brazil.

  

  

Cleveland Model of the Vought V-65 Export Version of the O2U

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You can buy the plans and patterns that will enable you to make this model right now. Click Here to go to the exact location on the Cleveland Website to get them.

Vought V-65 Export Model at the Cleveland Site
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