FS2004 OS2U Kingfisher USCG
FS2004 OS2U Kingfisher USCG. The Vought OS2U Kingfisher, a scout and observation floatplane, began service with the Navy beginning in August 1940. The Coast Guard flew both the OS2U-2 and OS2U-3 models, the OS2U-3 being distinguished from the “2” model by having extra fuel tanks and better armor protection for the pilot and crew than the earlier production models. Beginning in March, 1942, the Coast Guard eventually acquired 53 of the OS2U floatplanes. Their primary purpose was to carry the burden of the Coast Guard’s early anti-submarine efforts along the nation’s coastlines and in the coastal waters. None of the Coast Guard operated floatplanes was credited with sinking an enemy submarine but many made rescues of survivors from torpedoed merchant ships. Aircraft by Paul Clawson, Repaint by Ray Brower Ray Brower. 381K
