Difference between revisions of "OS2U-3"

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{{About
 +
| about = American hydroplane bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = OS2U-1
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=os2u_3
 
|code=os2u_3
−
|cockpit=333647/1107894
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
−
}}
+
|cockpit=cockpit_os2u_3.jpg
−
{{About
 
−
| about = American hydroplane '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other version
 
−
| link = OS2U-1
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_OS2U-3.jpg|450px|thumbnail|left]]
+
The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the [[OS2U-1]] and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). The last Kingfishers were withdrawn from service in Cuba in 1959.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American hydroplane {{Battle-rating}}. This hydroplane has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update_1.57_"Battle_March"|Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. Those players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it.  It can still be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree.
 
−
 
 
−
The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is a delicate, eye appealing float plane of mid-wing monoplane design with a large central float and two smaller floats, one under each wing. Designed in the second half of the 1930s, it served throughout WW2, primarily in the US Navy as catapult-launched scout planes. As such it had long range and it was often used for Search and Rescue operations. In War Thunder it is classified as a bomber and placed at [[:Category:First_rank_aircraft|Rank 1]] in US Navy branch,  immediately after its predecessor, the [[OS2U-1|OS2U-1]].  The main differences from the [[OS2U-1]] are additional self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings and armour protection for the pilot (seat and windshield).
 
−
 
 
−
The Kingfisher is not an agile plane and has a low top speed. Offensive armament consists of only a single [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm]] (0.30 cal) gun with 500 rounds which require prolonged periods of time with sights on target to reliably do significant damage. It also has a defensive gunner also equipped with a 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, however, while his firing arc is relatively wide, it does not cover six o'clock low (low and behind the plane), so be wary of enemies approaching from that angle. Occasionally it will set an enemy on fire, snipe his pilot, or even do [[Damage mechanics#Aircraft|critical damage]] but the frequency of this happening strongly depends on the [[Crew_skills#Defensive_armament|gunner's skill]]. Also, one could take the gunner view and try shooting the enemy down.  
 
−
 
 
−
In addition, the Kingfisher can carry two 100 lb bombs capable of destroying most ground targets and landing crafts, however, these require extreme accuracy since they are very weak and have a small blast radius.
 
  
−
For these reasons the Kingfisher is among most players considered overall bad plane, but do not be discouraged. Sure, this is no [[:Category:Currency_and_research_points|RP and lions]] farming machine but mostly in Realistic and Simulator battles it can be fun to immerse oneself in the fun environment of low-rank battles.
+
It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. But was later added back to the tech tree during update 14.11.18. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a reconnaissance aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is imperative for success in Naval Battles.
−
 
−
[[Guide_to_manual_engine_controls|Overheating]] is not an issue with Kingfisher. The relatively low power air-cooled engine will not overheat while keeping it at 100% throttle even on warm maps (Pacific, Mediterranean, etc.). Overheating temperature for oil is 105°C and for the engine, 260°C. The effectiveness of oil cooling is more dependent on air temperature and engine cooling on speeds at which air travels over the engine. Utilising WEP for long periods will overheat the engine in most conditions, while oil will overheat only at low altitudes (< 2 km on warm maps). To cool down, simply pull the throttle back from WEP to 100% or less.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
−
====Stat card====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
|-
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,700 m)
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,550 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 278 || 527 || 6,130 || 35.6 || 39.0 || 11.9 || 12.4 || 305
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,700 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 280 || 269 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.8 || 38.5 || 12.6 || 12.5 || rowspan="2" | 305
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 306 || 565 || 6,130 || 31.1 || 33.1 || 17.2 || 14.1 || 305
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 306 || 292 || 31.1 || 33.1 || 17.2 || 14.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X  
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 405 || 350 || 360 || ~18 || ~18
+
| 405 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 337 || 308 || 160 || ~15 || ~15
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 200 || < 200 || < 240 || > 250
+
| < 200 || < 200 || < 240 || > 306
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,376 m || 400 hp || 450 hp  
+
| 1,376 m || 400 hp || 450 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 6.35 mm steel behind pilot
 +
* 8 mm steel behind gunner
 +
* 8 mm steel on defensive 7.62 mm
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in central fuselage, 1 in each wingroot)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
Focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 × 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (500 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (500 rpg)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
  
−
The option available for the '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' are:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 2 × 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs
+
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 1 x 7.62 mm [[Browning (7.62 mm)|Browning]] machine gun, dorsal turret (600 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (600 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Kingfisher is classified as a bomber and as such it spawns at altitude. Primarily, it should be used in ground attack role across all game modes. If possible, stay out of sight of the enemy and try to take indirect routes to desired targets. Single 7.62 mm gun is capable of destroying artillery, AAA (stationary and on trucks) and armoured cars. Tanks and light pillboxes cannot be destroyed with such a small MG calibre but only with bombs. Cargo ships will require a single 100 lb hit on deck. Landing crafts may be taken out by gunfire but will require lots of hits.
+
The Kingfisher is classified as a bomber and as such it spawns at altitude. Primarily, it should be used in the ground attack role across all game modes. If possible, stay out of sight of the enemy and try to take indirect routes to desired targets. The single 7.62 mm gun is capable of destroying artillery, AAA (stationary and on trucks), landing craft, and armoured cars, but this is ill advised if an enemy aircraft is nearby. Tanks and light pillboxes cannot be destroyed with such a small MG calibre and will require bombs. Cargo ships will require a single 100 lb hit on deck.
  
 
[[File:Diagram Kingfisher principal bombing attack dive run.png|x220px|thumbnail|right|Principal way of accurate dive bombing with the Kingfisher.]]
 
[[File:Diagram Kingfisher principal bombing attack dive run.png|x220px|thumbnail|right|Principal way of accurate dive bombing with the Kingfisher.]]
 
===Arcade battles===
 
===Arcade battles===
−
At the start of the battle dive to the side and let the team engage first enemy wave. Then when they are engaged in a fight and distract approaching enemy ground targets. As the main goal is to remain undetected as long as possible always choose targets closer to the edge of the map.
+
At the start of the battle dive to the side and let the team engage first enemy wave. Then when they are engaged in a fight and distract approaching enemy ground targets. As the main goal is to remain undetected as long as possible, always choose targets closer to the edge of the map.
  
 
When lower than the enemy it is harder for him to see the OS2U against the ground. Also, the enemy must approach much closer before the marker (name tag) shows up while at the same time his marker will show earlier. What distance will enemy's marker show up depends on weather conditions (clouds), altitude difference and [[Crew_skills#Pilot|pilot's skill]].
 
When lower than the enemy it is harder for him to see the OS2U against the ground. Also, the enemy must approach much closer before the marker (name tag) shows up while at the same time his marker will show earlier. What distance will enemy's marker show up depends on weather conditions (clouds), altitude difference and [[Crew_skills#Pilot|pilot's skill]].
  
−
If a more manoeuvrable enemy gets on the OS2U's six (any biplane and most of the monoplane fighters) and is unshakeable, try jerking, shaking and changing heading in random fashion while the gunner does his work. Arcade flight model is more forgiving and will allow some aerobatics. This is especially viable if the enemy has only low calibre guns such as Kingfishers. Use this time to reach friendlies. Alternatively, get in the gunner's view and try to deal damage to the attacker.
+
If a more manoeuvrable enemy gets on the OS2U's six (any biplane and most of the monoplane fighters) and is unshakeable, try jerking, shaking and changing heading in random fashion while the gunner does his work. The Arcade flight model is more forgiving and will allow some aerobatics. This is especially viable if the enemy has only low calibre guns. Use this time to reach friendlies. Alternatively, get in the gunner's view and try to deal damage to the attacker.
  
 
Even though it has no wheels it can land on airfields but touchdown must be gentle and at low speed to avoid serious damage. After repairs, it will be spawned in the air. In "Domination" mode, where the goal is to seize enemy airfields by landing on them, Kingfisher can be used for capture but once landed it cannot take off immediately. This coupled with the dynamic nature of arcade battles usually leads to loss of the aircraft, therefore it is best to use it in last effort to turn the tide of the battle.
 
Even though it has no wheels it can land on airfields but touchdown must be gentle and at low speed to avoid serious damage. After repairs, it will be spawned in the air. In "Domination" mode, where the goal is to seize enemy airfields by landing on them, Kingfisher can be used for capture but once landed it cannot take off immediately. This coupled with the dynamic nature of arcade battles usually leads to loss of the aircraft, therefore it is best to use it in last effort to turn the tide of the battle.
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In RB and SB modes flight model is realistic and the lack of powerful engine will be obvious. Thanks to its low Power to Mass ratio of about 0,13 kW/kg ([[P-26A-33|P-26A Peashooter]] has 0,29 kW/kg) acceleration and climb rate are very poor. Energy retention is not Kingfisher's strong side either. Every hard turn will drain its energy and it will lose altitude rapidly. Attempts of performing any difficult manoeuvres, such as loop, are not advised before gaining some altitude and reaching decent speed (over 200 km/h IAS) otherwise the plane will stall out and plunge in the ground or become an easy target.
 
In RB and SB modes flight model is realistic and the lack of powerful engine will be obvious. Thanks to its low Power to Mass ratio of about 0,13 kW/kg ([[P-26A-33|P-26A Peashooter]] has 0,29 kW/kg) acceleration and climb rate are very poor. Energy retention is not Kingfisher's strong side either. Every hard turn will drain its energy and it will lose altitude rapidly. Attempts of performing any difficult manoeuvres, such as loop, are not advised before gaining some altitude and reaching decent speed (over 200 km/h IAS) otherwise the plane will stall out and plunge in the ground or become an easy target.
  
−
Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, dive bombing technique is to be used. To hit a target climb a few hundred meters (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.
+
Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, it is advised to try dive bombing. To hit a target climb a few hundred metres (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.
  
 
Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes ground attack safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.
 
Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes ground attack safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.
  
−
After offensive ammo has been consumed ground attack can be continued with gunner's MG which has unlimited ammo. Approach the target in low-level flight, after passing it pull up in shallow climb and switch to gunner's view to destroy it.<br>
 
 
When landing on water aircraft must be close to a carrier to repair. Approach it from the stern and stop at bow because most carriers will be moving and the plane needs to stand still during repair/reload.
 
When landing on water aircraft must be close to a carrier to repair. Approach it from the stern and stop at bow because most carriers will be moving and the plane needs to stand still during repair/reload.
  
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Aircraft's characteristics and advice mentioned in Realistic battles section apply to Simulator mode as well.
 
Aircraft's characteristics and advice mentioned in Realistic battles section apply to Simulator mode as well.
  
−
Cockpit visibility is decent but thanks to gunner's view this aircraft has excellent potential for situation awareness in simulator mode and this is what sets Kingfisher apart from the majority of its opponents. Zooming in while in the cockpit will activate telescopic sight which, while great for landing shots on distant targets, may be slightly bothersome because it narrows the field of view.
+
Cockpit visibility is decent but thanks to gunner's view this aircraft has excellent potential for situation awareness in simulator mode and this is what sets Kingfisher apart from the majority of its opponents. Zooming in while in the cockpit will activate telescopic sight which, while great for landing shots on distant targets, but may be slightly bothersome because it narrows the field of view.
  
 
===Events===
 
===Events===
 
Once in a while under in-game Events & Tournaments tab there will be [[:Category:Game_modes#Floats|Floats event]]. It is Arcade event for float planes such as Kingfisher in which, among others, it will encounter [[H6K4]], and [[PBY-5a Catalina|PBY-5a]]. Stay away from their six because their gunners will shred Kingfisher to pieces in a matter of seconds. Wait for them to land in an attempt to capture zone, then drop 2 x 100 lbs on them.
 
Once in a while under in-game Events & Tournaments tab there will be [[:Category:Game_modes#Floats|Floats event]]. It is Arcade event for float planes such as Kingfisher in which, among others, it will encounter [[H6K4]], and [[PBY-5a Catalina|PBY-5a]]. Stay away from their six because their gunners will shred Kingfisher to pieces in a matter of seconds. Wait for them to land in an attempt to capture zone, then drop 2 x 100 lbs on them.
  
−
===Modules===
 
−
The first modification to research should be Mk. 41 which allows installation of two 100 lb bombs. Next, focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wing repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
 
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Telescopic sight (RB)
 
* Telescopic sight (RB)
 
* High minimum fuel load
 
* High minimum fuel load
−
* Center float can protect the plane from attacks from below  
+
* Center float can protect the plane from attacks from below
 
* You can ram other planes with the float (esp. the wings)
 
* You can ram other planes with the float (esp. the wings)
  
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== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
OS2U Kingfisher built by Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division was catapult-launched observation floatplane designed by Rex Beisel (a design engineer responsible for F4U Corsair). Kingfisher was assembled using a revolutionary spot welding construction which created a smooth fuselage that generated less drag. It also had numbers of innovative features, such as deflector plate flaps and drooping ailerons used to create additional lift at low speeds which improved control of the plane.<ref name="Noles p.67">Noles, J. L. Jr (2005, February/March). Old Slow and Ugly. Air & Space, p. 67.</ref>
 
OS2U Kingfisher built by Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division was catapult-launched observation floatplane designed by Rex Beisel (a design engineer responsible for F4U Corsair). Kingfisher was assembled using a revolutionary spot welding construction which created a smooth fuselage that generated less drag. It also had numbers of innovative features, such as deflector plate flaps and drooping ailerons used to create additional lift at low speeds which improved control of the plane.<ref name="Noles p.67">Noles, J. L. Jr (2005, February/March). Old Slow and Ugly. Air & Space, p. 67.</ref>
  
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[[File:OS2U returning to USS Massachusetts BB-59 1944.jpg|x200px|thumbnail|right|Kingfisher landing near USS Massachusetts in 1944.]]
 
[[File:OS2U returning to USS Massachusetts BB-59 1944.jpg|x200px|thumbnail|right|Kingfisher landing near USS Massachusetts in 1944.]]
  
−
While some were deployed to land bases (OS2U-2 installed with wheels instead floats were mostly used for training) most of Kingfishers operated from U.S. Navy's heavy and light cruisers and battleships. The violent launch was done into the wind by catapult powered with a cannon shell. Landing required the ship to make a turn in order to create a patch of relatively calm sea surface where Kingfisher could land and then taxi to the “sled” used to pull it closer to the ship's crane which would hoist it back on deck.
+
While some were deployed to land bases (OS2U-2 installed with wheels instead floats were mostly used for training) most of Kingfishers operated from U.S. Navy's heavy and light cruisers and battleships. The violent launch was done into the wind by catapult powered with a cannon shell. Landing required the ship to make a turn in order to create a patch of relatively calm sea surface where Kingfisher could land and then taxi to the "sled" used to pull it closer to the ship's crane which would hoist it back on deck.
  
 
In the early 1940s seaborne radar was a rarity and still primitive, the eyes and ears of a fleet of warships were limited at best. This is where the observation aircraft was imperative. A battleship would launch a Kingfisher seaplane and the aircraft could then patrol the surrounding seas for hundreds of miles for hours at a time. Depending on the threat, the Kingfisher might be looking for anything as huge as an enemy fleet or as small and deadly as a single enemy submarine. In the case of the latter, the Kingfisher had teeth of its own: even with its limited payload, Kingfishers assisted in the sinking of U-Boats U-576 and U-176. Simply finding a target or enemy fleet was of immense use to the bridge crew of a warship, but the Kingfisher could do more. Once an enemy fleet was identified it was almost inevitable that an engagement would take place – even in the 1940s, naval guns were well capable of firing shells in excess of 20 miles. The Kingfisher could fly over an enemy fleet and report directly back to the bridge crew of any warship within its own fleet, giving real-time feedback of the accuracy of shot and corrections to bring the tremendous firepower onto a target. Furthermore, the importance of naval gunfire did not stop with engaging other vessels: carrying some of the largest guns in the entire world on a mobile platform, battleships were the ultimate fire support during an amphibious assault. As US Marines fought their way from beachheads all across the Pacific theatre, the guns of the fleet were often there to eliminate concentrations of enemy troops and heavy defensive positions. Again, the Kingfisher was ideally placed to ensure this supporting fire was accurately and efficiently delivered.<ref name="Ugly Ducklings">Barber, M. (2015, April 17). Ugly Ducklings – The Vought OS2U Kingfisher. Retrieved from [http://warthunder.com/en/news/803-Ugly-Ducklings--The-Vought-OS2U-Kingfisher-en]</ref>
 
In the early 1940s seaborne radar was a rarity and still primitive, the eyes and ears of a fleet of warships were limited at best. This is where the observation aircraft was imperative. A battleship would launch a Kingfisher seaplane and the aircraft could then patrol the surrounding seas for hundreds of miles for hours at a time. Depending on the threat, the Kingfisher might be looking for anything as huge as an enemy fleet or as small and deadly as a single enemy submarine. In the case of the latter, the Kingfisher had teeth of its own: even with its limited payload, Kingfishers assisted in the sinking of U-Boats U-576 and U-176. Simply finding a target or enemy fleet was of immense use to the bridge crew of a warship, but the Kingfisher could do more. Once an enemy fleet was identified it was almost inevitable that an engagement would take place – even in the 1940s, naval guns were well capable of firing shells in excess of 20 miles. The Kingfisher could fly over an enemy fleet and report directly back to the bridge crew of any warship within its own fleet, giving real-time feedback of the accuracy of shot and corrections to bring the tremendous firepower onto a target. Furthermore, the importance of naval gunfire did not stop with engaging other vessels: carrying some of the largest guns in the entire world on a mobile platform, battleships were the ultimate fire support during an amphibious assault. As US Marines fought their way from beachheads all across the Pacific theatre, the guns of the fleet were often there to eliminate concentrations of enemy troops and heavy defensive positions. Again, the Kingfisher was ideally placed to ensure this supporting fire was accurately and efficiently delivered.<ref name="Ugly Ducklings">Barber, M. (2015, April 17). Ugly Ducklings – The Vought OS2U Kingfisher. Retrieved from [http://warthunder.com/en/news/803-Ugly-Ducklings--The-Vought-OS2U-Kingfisher-en]</ref>
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+
 
 
Even though it was used in many different roles, as trainer, bomber, anti-submarine platform in the Atlantic, scout, naval gunfire spotter etc. the Kingfisher was most respectable for Search and Rescue missions where it was involved in saving downed airmen in the Pacific. On one occasion in 1942 over Pacific a B-17D became disoriented, ran out of fuel and ditched. After drifting for several weeks without food and water crew and passengers were rescued by a Kingfisher. With all the survivors on its wings, it could not take off and started taxing to the nearest island before being relieved by a passing torpedo boat. However, most notable rescues happened in 1944 over Guam when a Kingfisher of USS Indiana rescued two downed airmen despite being exposed to fire from several nearby Japanese artillery positions.<ref name="smithsonian national air and space museum" />
 
Even though it was used in many different roles, as trainer, bomber, anti-submarine platform in the Atlantic, scout, naval gunfire spotter etc. the Kingfisher was most respectable for Search and Rescue missions where it was involved in saving downed airmen in the Pacific. On one occasion in 1942 over Pacific a B-17D became disoriented, ran out of fuel and ditched. After drifting for several weeks without food and water crew and passengers were rescued by a Kingfisher. With all the survivors on its wings, it could not take off and started taxing to the nearest island before being relieved by a passing torpedo boat. However, most notable rescues happened in 1944 over Guam when a Kingfisher of USS Indiana rescued two downed airmen despite being exposed to fire from several nearby Japanese artillery positions.<ref name="smithsonian national air and space museum" />
  
 
The only confirmed kill scored with Kingfisher happened on 16 February 1945 at Iwo Jima where Lieutenant D.W. Gandy shot down a Zero fighter.
 
The only confirmed kill scored with Kingfisher happened on 16 February 1945 at Iwo Jima where Lieutenant D.W. Gandy shot down a Zero fighter.
  
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=== In-game description ===
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{{break}}
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
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To familiarize the crews with the new aircraft, the series OS2U-2 was produced in 1940. It had non-retractable wheel landing gear. There were 158 of these logical successors to the OS2U-1, but there was virtually no difference apart from the absence of floats. Most of them were sent to the Pensacola and Jacksonville naval bases.
  
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"To familiarize the crews with the new aircraft, the series OS2U-2 was produced in 1940. It had non-retractable wheel landing gear. There were 158 of these logical successors to the OS2U-1, but there was virtually no difference apart from the absence of floats. Most of them were sent to the Pensacola and Jacksonville naval bases.
+
The OS2U-3, the last model of the Kingfisher and the one produced in the largest numbers, went into production from the summer of 1941. It differed from its predecessors mainly in having a different engine, the Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 "Wasp Junior", of the same nominal power, but enabling production to be standardized at external subcontracting firms. This enabled the Naval Aircraft Factory company to produce a further 300 aircraft under license under the designation OS2N-1, but exactly the same as the basic model. Apart from the engine, the other distinctive features of the new series included the fitting of protected tanks, a Fairchild photo-camera machine gun and armour plating for the pilot and observer's cabin. All these innovations somewhat increased the takeoff weight and decreased the range of the aircraft.
  
−
The OS2U-3, the last model of the Kingfisher and the one produced in the largest numbers, went into production from the summer of 1941. It differed from its predecessors mainly in having a different engine, the Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 “Wasp Junior”, of the same nominal power, but enabling production to be standardized at external subcontracting firms. This enabled the Naval Aircraft Factory company to produce a further 300 aircraft under license under the designation OS2N-1, but exactly the same as the basic model. Apart from the engine, the other distinctive features of the new series included the fitting of protected tanks, a Fairchild photo-camera machine gun and armor plating for the pilot and observer’s cabin. All these innovations somewhat increased the takeoff weight and decreased the range of the aircraft.
+
Altogether, including the NAF OS2N-1 aircraft, 1306 examples of the OS2U-3 were produced. In spite of the large scale production for aircraft of this kind, the re-equipment of ships went quite slowly. By the end of the year, there were still cruisers equipped with the SOC-3. This was primarily because the Kingfisher was in great demand by the coastal air service. It was used in the patrol and anti-submarine roles, for rescue work, as a communications aircraft, for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and even in direct support of landing operations. Because it was so slow, the sailors jokingly expanded its designation letters OSU to "Old, Slow and Ugly".
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{{Navigation-End}}
  
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Altogether, including the NAF OS2N-1 aircraft, 1306 examples of the OS2U-3 were produced. In spite of the large scale production for aircraft of this kind, the re-equipment of ships went quite slowly. By the end of the year, there were still cruisers equipped with the SOC-3. This was primarily because the Kingfisher was in great demand by the coastal air service. It was used in the patrol and anti-submarine roles, for rescue work, as a communications aircraft, for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and even in direct support of landing operations. Because it was so slow, the sailors jokingly expanded its designation letters OSU to “Old, Slow and Ugly”."
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== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
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== Media ==
 
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<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
 
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23os2u '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the OS2U from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=os2u_3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|5kZ2IZKgyCM|Realistic gameplay: '''"Derp Thunder - War Thunder Gameplay"''' by ''BaronVonGamez''|Inel3b6ZsY8|Kingfisher vs. Kingfisher: '''"War Thunder- OS2U Fight to the DEATH- War Thunder Custom Battle"''' by ''PhlyDaily''|HsbS91b3UM4|Arcade challenge: '''"War Thunder Planes: The Kingfisher Challenge"''' by ''Krebs''}}
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{{Youtube-gallery|45AO5KkhqKM|'''The Kingfishers''' - ''TheEuropeanCanadian''}}
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==References==
 
−
<references />
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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 +
;Related development
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* [[OS2U-1]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''-->
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* Text of this page was written for the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/232511-competition-wt-wiki-combat-training-closed/ Wiki competition "Combat training"] by [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/user/278022-angel-maker/ Angel_Maker]. [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/233313-wikicontest-os2u-3-kingfisher/ Link to original contest entry article.]
 
* Text of this page was written for the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/232511-competition-wt-wiki-combat-training-closed/ Wiki competition "Combat training"] by [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/user/278022-angel-maker/ Angel_Maker]. [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/233313-wikicontest-os2u-3-kingfisher/ Link to original contest entry article.]
 
*[http://warthunder.com/en/news/803-Ugly-Ducklings--The-Vought-OS2U-Kingfisher-en Ugly Ducklings article by Mark Barber]
 
*[http://warthunder.com/en/news/803-Ugly-Ducklings--The-Vought-OS2U-Kingfisher-en Ugly Ducklings article by Mark Barber]
 
*[http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/21444-os2u-kingfisher-13-version/ Official forum discussion on OS2U-3 Kingfisher]
 
*[http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/21444-os2u-kingfisher-13-version/ Official forum discussion on OS2U-3 Kingfisher]
 +
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references />
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Vought}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Vought}}
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{{USA attackers}}
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{{USA bombers}}

Latest revision as of 18:51, 19 April 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American hydroplane bomber OS2U-3. For the other version, see OS2U-1.
OS2U-3
os2u_3.png
GarageImage OS2U-3.jpg
ArtImage OS2U-3.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/b/b9/Cockpit_os2u_3.jpg
OS2U-3
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the OS2U-1 and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). The last Kingfishers were withdrawn from service in Cuba in 1959.

It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in Update 1.57 "Battle March". But was later added back to the tech tree during update 14.11.18. It can be researched by players who unlock the OS2U-1 via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a reconnaissance aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is imperative for success in Naval Battles.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 700 m292 km/h
Turn time33 s
Max altitude6 130 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-985-48
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,700 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 280 269 6130 34.8 38.5 12.6 12.5 305
Upgraded 306 292 31.1 33.1 17.2 14.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
405 350 337 308 160 ~15 ~15
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 200 < 240 > 306
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,376 m 400 hp 450 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 9-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
290 kg Radial Air
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 364 hp 415 hp
Realistic/Simulator 360 hp 411 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 446 hp 496 hp
Realistic/Simulator 400 hp 450 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds Infinite

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 6.35 mm steel behind pilot
  • 8 mm steel behind gunner
  • 8 mm steel on defensive 7.62 mm
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in central fuselage, 1 in each wingroot)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB211 → 285 Sl icon.png
RB283 → 382 Sl icon.png
SB368 → 497 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 200 Rp icon.png
2 545 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 50 / 90 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_belt_pack
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk.41
Mods weapon.png
bmg30_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_turret_belt_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg30_turret_new_gun
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 17.62 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.62 mm)

The OS2U-3 is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (500 rpg)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The OS2U-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret7.62 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.62 mm)

The OS2U-3 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (600 rpg)

Usage in battles

The Kingfisher is classified as a bomber and as such it spawns at altitude. Primarily, it should be used in the ground attack role across all game modes. If possible, stay out of sight of the enemy and try to take indirect routes to desired targets. The single 7.62 mm gun is capable of destroying artillery, AAA (stationary and on trucks), landing craft, and armoured cars, but this is ill advised if an enemy aircraft is nearby. Tanks and light pillboxes cannot be destroyed with such a small MG calibre and will require bombs. Cargo ships will require a single 100 lb hit on deck.

Principal way of accurate dive bombing with the Kingfisher.

Arcade battles

At the start of the battle dive to the side and let the team engage first enemy wave. Then when they are engaged in a fight and distract approaching enemy ground targets. As the main goal is to remain undetected as long as possible, always choose targets closer to the edge of the map.

When lower than the enemy it is harder for him to see the OS2U against the ground. Also, the enemy must approach much closer before the marker (name tag) shows up while at the same time his marker will show earlier. What distance will enemy's marker show up depends on weather conditions (clouds), altitude difference and pilot's skill.

If a more manoeuvrable enemy gets on the OS2U's six (any biplane and most of the monoplane fighters) and is unshakeable, try jerking, shaking and changing heading in random fashion while the gunner does his work. The Arcade flight model is more forgiving and will allow some aerobatics. This is especially viable if the enemy has only low calibre guns. Use this time to reach friendlies. Alternatively, get in the gunner's view and try to deal damage to the attacker.

Even though it has no wheels it can land on airfields but touchdown must be gentle and at low speed to avoid serious damage. After repairs, it will be spawned in the air. In "Domination" mode, where the goal is to seize enemy airfields by landing on them, Kingfisher can be used for capture but once landed it cannot take off immediately. This coupled with the dynamic nature of arcade battles usually leads to loss of the aircraft, therefore it is best to use it in last effort to turn the tide of the battle.

Realistic battles

This is where bomber spawn comes in handy. Dive to the side of the map and start approach to remote enemy ground targets. By doing so chance to be detected by the enemy is minimized even more so than in Arcade. Observe the sky and report any spotted enemies to the team.

In RB and SB modes flight model is realistic and the lack of powerful engine will be obvious. Thanks to its low Power to Mass ratio of about 0,13 kW/kg (P-26A Peashooter has 0,29 kW/kg) acceleration and climb rate are very poor. Energy retention is not Kingfisher's strong side either. Every hard turn will drain its energy and it will lose altitude rapidly. Attempts of performing any difficult manoeuvres, such as loop, are not advised before gaining some altitude and reaching decent speed (over 200 km/h IAS) otherwise the plane will stall out and plunge in the ground or become an easy target.

Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, it is advised to try dive bombing. To hit a target climb a few hundred metres (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.

Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes ground attack safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.

When landing on water aircraft must be close to a carrier to repair. Approach it from the stern and stop at bow because most carriers will be moving and the plane needs to stand still during repair/reload.

Simulator battles

Aircraft's characteristics and advice mentioned in Realistic battles section apply to Simulator mode as well.

Cockpit visibility is decent but thanks to gunner's view this aircraft has excellent potential for situation awareness in simulator mode and this is what sets Kingfisher apart from the majority of its opponents. Zooming in while in the cockpit will activate telescopic sight which, while great for landing shots on distant targets, but may be slightly bothersome because it narrows the field of view.

Events

Once in a while under in-game Events & Tournaments tab there will be Floats event. It is Arcade event for float planes such as Kingfisher in which, among others, it will encounter H6K4, and PBY-5a. Stay away from their six because their gunners will shred Kingfisher to pieces in a matter of seconds. Wait for them to land in an attempt to capture zone, then drop 2 x 100 lbs on them.


Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Bomber spawn
  • Gets to participate in Floats event
  • Can land on water
  • Telescopic sight (RB)
  • High minimum fuel load
  • Center float can protect the plane from attacks from below
  • You can ram other planes with the float (esp. the wings)

Cons:

  • Low top speed
  • Poor acceleration
  • Poor climb rate
  • Low power to mass ratio
  • Small burst mass due to single 7.62 mm
  • Poor energy retention
  • No bombing reticle in RB, SB
  • Telescopic sight (SB)

History

OS2U Kingfisher built by Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division was catapult-launched observation floatplane designed by Rex Beisel (a design engineer responsible for F4U Corsair). Kingfisher was assembled using a revolutionary spot welding construction which created a smooth fuselage that generated less drag. It also had numbers of innovative features, such as deflector plate flaps and drooping ailerons used to create additional lift at low speeds which improved control of the plane.[1]

First prototype XOS2U-1 flew in 1938 and first production variant was delivered in early 1940.[2] Despite its modest performance it gradually started replacing Curtiss SOC Seagull biplane and ended up as U.S. Navy's main ship-launched scout plane during WW2. It stayed in use much longer than expected because its successor Curtiss SO3C Seamew suffered from various issues, most notably engine failures.

OS2U-3 first flew on 17 May 1941. It was very similar to OS2U-1. The main difference from its predecessor was additional self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings and improved armour protection for the pilot. It had a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine (all Kingfishers were powered by different versions of this engine).[3] It was armed with a 7.62 mm gun in the nose (hidden inside engine compartment) and a 7.62 mm gun in a dorsal turret on a flexible ring mount. Also, apart from 100 lb (45 kg) bombs it was able to load 325 lb (147 kg) of depth charges. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant with just over 1000 units built. It was the only exported variant and it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). Last of the Kingfishers were withdrawn from service on Cuba in 1959.

Kingfisher landing near USS Massachusetts in 1944.

While some were deployed to land bases (OS2U-2 installed with wheels instead floats were mostly used for training) most of Kingfishers operated from U.S. Navy's heavy and light cruisers and battleships. The violent launch was done into the wind by catapult powered with a cannon shell. Landing required the ship to make a turn in order to create a patch of relatively calm sea surface where Kingfisher could land and then taxi to the "sled" used to pull it closer to the ship's crane which would hoist it back on deck.

In the early 1940s seaborne radar was a rarity and still primitive, the eyes and ears of a fleet of warships were limited at best. This is where the observation aircraft was imperative. A battleship would launch a Kingfisher seaplane and the aircraft could then patrol the surrounding seas for hundreds of miles for hours at a time. Depending on the threat, the Kingfisher might be looking for anything as huge as an enemy fleet or as small and deadly as a single enemy submarine. In the case of the latter, the Kingfisher had teeth of its own: even with its limited payload, Kingfishers assisted in the sinking of U-Boats U-576 and U-176. Simply finding a target or enemy fleet was of immense use to the bridge crew of a warship, but the Kingfisher could do more. Once an enemy fleet was identified it was almost inevitable that an engagement would take place – even in the 1940s, naval guns were well capable of firing shells in excess of 20 miles. The Kingfisher could fly over an enemy fleet and report directly back to the bridge crew of any warship within its own fleet, giving real-time feedback of the accuracy of shot and corrections to bring the tremendous firepower onto a target. Furthermore, the importance of naval gunfire did not stop with engaging other vessels: carrying some of the largest guns in the entire world on a mobile platform, battleships were the ultimate fire support during an amphibious assault. As US Marines fought their way from beachheads all across the Pacific theatre, the guns of the fleet were often there to eliminate concentrations of enemy troops and heavy defensive positions. Again, the Kingfisher was ideally placed to ensure this supporting fire was accurately and efficiently delivered.[4]

Even though it was used in many different roles, as trainer, bomber, anti-submarine platform in the Atlantic, scout, naval gunfire spotter etc. the Kingfisher was most respectable for Search and Rescue missions where it was involved in saving downed airmen in the Pacific. On one occasion in 1942 over Pacific a B-17D became disoriented, ran out of fuel and ditched. After drifting for several weeks without food and water crew and passengers were rescued by a Kingfisher. With all the survivors on its wings, it could not take off and started taxing to the nearest island before being relieved by a passing torpedo boat. However, most notable rescues happened in 1944 over Guam when a Kingfisher of USS Indiana rescued two downed airmen despite being exposed to fire from several nearby Japanese artillery positions.[2]

The only confirmed kill scored with Kingfisher happened on 16 February 1945 at Iwo Jima where Lieutenant D.W. Gandy shot down a Zero fighter.


Archive of the in-game description

To familiarize the crews with the new aircraft, the series OS2U-2 was produced in 1940. It had non-retractable wheel landing gear. There were 158 of these logical successors to the OS2U-1, but there was virtually no difference apart from the absence of floats. Most of them were sent to the Pensacola and Jacksonville naval bases.

The OS2U-3, the last model of the Kingfisher and the one produced in the largest numbers, went into production from the summer of 1941. It differed from its predecessors mainly in having a different engine, the Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 "Wasp Junior", of the same nominal power, but enabling production to be standardized at external subcontracting firms. This enabled the Naval Aircraft Factory company to produce a further 300 aircraft under license under the designation OS2N-1, but exactly the same as the basic model. Apart from the engine, the other distinctive features of the new series included the fitting of protected tanks, a Fairchild photo-camera machine gun and armour plating for the pilot and observer's cabin. All these innovations somewhat increased the takeoff weight and decreased the range of the aircraft.

Altogether, including the NAF OS2N-1 aircraft, 1306 examples of the OS2U-3 were produced. In spite of the large scale production for aircraft of this kind, the re-equipment of ships went quite slowly. By the end of the year, there were still cruisers equipped with the SOC-3. This was primarily because the Kingfisher was in great demand by the coastal air service. It was used in the patrol and anti-submarine roles, for rescue work, as a communications aircraft, for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and even in direct support of landing operations. Because it was so slow, the sailors jokingly expanded its designation letters OSU to "Old, Slow and Ugly".


Media

Skins
Videos
The Kingfishers - TheEuropeanCanadian

See also

Related development

External links

References

  1. ↑ Noles, J. L. Jr (2005, February/March). Old Slow and Ugly. Air & Space, p. 67.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher. (2015, May 05) Retrieved from [1]
  3. ↑ Noles, J. L. Jr (2005, February/March). Old Slow and Ugly. Air & Space, p. 68
  4. ↑ Barber, M. (2015, April 17). Ugly Ducklings – The Vought OS2U Kingfisher. Retrieved from [2]


Chance Vought Aircraft
Fighters 
Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1C · F4U-1D · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214
Float planes  O3U-1 · OS2U-1 · OS2U-3
Attackers  AU-1
Bombers  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3
Jet aircraft 
Corsair II  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
Crusader  F8U-2 · F-8E
Export  V-156-B1 · V-156-F · ▄Corsair F Mk II · F4U-7 · ▄F-8E(FN)
Captured  ▅F4U-1A

USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner"

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