The 1941 Curtiss O-52 Owl two-seat observation aircraft played a crucial role in U.S. Air Force intelligence gathering, but technological advancements made it obsolete at its debut
The 1941 Curtiss O-52 Owl was a large, advanced two-person observation aircraft ordered by the U.S. Air Force. The monoplane was ordered into production in 1939, but it was obsolete at its launch in 1940 and mainly saw use as a trainer. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)
BY MARK MAYNARD
TThe Curtiss O-52 “Owl,” introduced in 1941, is a testament to the United States’ commitment to advancing its military aviation capabilities during World War II. A reconnaissance aircraft, the O-52 played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and surveillance operations, showcasing technological advancements of its time.
The O-52 Owl evolved from the earlier Stinson O-49 Vigilant and was designed by the renowned American aircraft manufacturer Curtiss-Wright Corp. The Owl’s robust construction and impressive performance made it an integral part of the U.S. Army Air Corps’ reconnaissance fleet. The plane’s distinctive features included a high-wing monoplane design, fixed landing gear, and an enclosed co*ckpit for the crew of two. A total of 203 O-52s were built.
In 1941, however, the aircraft became unsatisfactory to modern combat situations in overseas areas, according to a report in AeroCorner.com. Consequently, the aircraft was consigned to perform courier roles inside the United States and for anti-submarine warfare (A/S) on the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. In November 1942, the Soviet Union ordered 30 aircraft in the Lend-Lease policy.
Performance
The Curtiss O-52 boasted a maximum speed of 220 mph and was powered by a 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp nine-cylinder radial engine. Its endurance and range were vital for long-duration reconnaissance missions, providing critical information for military strategists during global conflict.
The importance of the Curtiss O-52 in wartime operations cannot be overstated. As aviation historian John M. Andrade notes in his book “U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials: 1909 to 1979.” “The O-52 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the O-49 Vigilant.” The book highlights how the O-52 offered enhanced capabilities, demonstrating Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to innovation in military aviation.
According to a report in HistoryOfWar.org, the O-52 two-person co*ckpit was extensively glazed, and the wing was mounted on top of the co*ckpit glazing. The Owl had a retractable undercarriage, with the wheels pulling back into wells in the side of the fuselage. There were dual controls and doors on the co*ckpit floor to use a camera.
“To give the plane good low-speed handling, it had full-length automatic leading-edge slots linked to wide-span trailing-edge flaps that operated whenever the slots were extended.
“It was armed with one fixed forward-firing machine gun and one flexibly mounted machine gun in the observer’s position. It had a retractable turtle back, first developed for the [Curtiss] SOC Seagull scout observation seaplane, which improved the observer’s field of fire.
In the ever-evolving landscape of military aviation during World War II, the Curtiss O-52 Owl was pivotal in shaping the success of reconnaissance and intelligence operations. Its design, performance, and adaptability underscored the United States’ commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology during global conflict, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of military history.
1941 CURTISS O-52 OWL SPECIFICATIONS
Mission: Reconnaissance aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps during World War II
Crew: 2, pilot and observer/rear gunner
Length: 26 feet 4.75 inches
Wingspan: 40 feet 9 inches
Height: 9 feet 11.5 inches
Empty weight: Approximately 3,437 pounds
Maximum takeoff weight: 4,725 pounds
Engine: 1 600-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp nine-cylinder radial engine
Maximum speed: 220 mph
Cruising speed: 192 mph
Fuel capacity: 115 gallons
Range: 700 miles
Service ceiling: 21,000 feet
Owl Armament:
- One .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun in the forward fuselage;
- One .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun in the rear co*ckpit;
- Bombs or photo-reconnaissance equipment could be carried under the wings.
Sources: Wikipedia and HistoryOfWar.org
Note: These specifications reflect the Curtiss O-52 Owl’s design and performance characteristics, highlighting its role as a reconnaissance aircraft during a critical period in aviation history. Specific details might vary slightly depending on the variant and modifications made to individual aircraft during their operational lifespan.
This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked as an engineer in aviation for four decades. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.
See more of his vintage plane pics here.
