In 1922 the USN received eighteen UF-1 two-place scout-observation aircraft, A6482-6499, all re-designated to UO-1. One hundred and forty Vought UO-1 Aztec two seat biplane, were built from 1922, powered by 200hp Lawrance J-1 engines, as landplanes and seaplanes: A6482-6499 (converted from UF-1), A6546-6551, A6603-6615, A6706-6729, A6858-6877, A6984-7023, A7031-7050, of which one was converted by NAF to racer UO-2, and 13 to UO-5.

The UO-1 model was used in trials as hook-on scout/fighters with airships.

The two 1928 UO-1C (A7007 and one other) were a wheeled trainer version for USN Reserve. Possibly other conversions as the designation was also used for planes modified for catapult launching, regardless of floats or wheels.

In 1922 NAF modified, wheeled UO-1 A6546 for 1922 Curtiss Marine Trophy competition. It was damaged in ground handling and did not race.

The UO-3 was re-designated as FU-1.

Two UO-4 were built in 1935 for the USCG with a single float; 404=V104, 405=V105.

The UO-5 were modification of UO-1 with 220hp Wright R-790 engines. Thirteen were built; A6729, A6860, A6866, A6988, A6997, A6999, A7005, A7010-7012, A7016, A7035, and A7038.

UF-1
Engine: 220hp Lawrance J-1
Wingspan: 26’0″
Length: 20’1″
Speed: 132 mph
Ceiling: 21,700′
Seats: 2

UO-1
Engine: 200hp Lawrance J-1
Wingspan: 34’1″ length: (landplane) 22’1″ (seaplane) 28’6″
Speed: 122 mph
Ceiling: (landplane) 18,200′ (seaplane) 16,550′

UO-5
Engine: 220hp Wright R-790.

A carrier-borne reconnaissance seaplane of circa 1930. The O2U Corsair USN scout was on a single-float or wheels.

Vought O2U-1 Corsair Article

One-hundred and thirty-two of the 1927 O2U-1 were built (A7221-7222, A7567-7586, A7796-7831, and A7900-7940).

The 1927 O2U-2 was priced at $12,890 and thirty-seven were built (A8091-8127) of which six went to the USMC.

Eighty of the 1929 O2U-3 were built (A8193-8272), including one to the Army as XO-28.

Forty-two of the 1930 O2U-4 were built (A8315-8356) priced at $17,203-18,065.

Corsarios Azcarate were Mexican licence built Vought O2U¬-2M.

One USN O2U was used for evaluation by the Army in 1929, 29-323, as the O-28 Corsair.

The O24-2 was a civil version of the O2U-1 Corsair. In 1928 one was civil licensed for F B Rentschler, pres of Pratt & Whitney Corp, NX7014. Some other ex-military noted were N61E, N111N, N367H, and N833H.

Gallery

O2U Corsair
Engine: 450hp P&W R-1340B
Wing span: 34’6″ Length: 24’6″
Speed: (float) 147 (wheels) 150
Ceiling: (float) 17,750′ (wheels) 18,700′
Seats: 2

O24-2
Engine: 450hp P&W Wasp
Wingspan: 36’0″
Length: 29’8″
Speed: 137 mph
Seats: 2

In January 1927 the Chance Vought company produced a single seat fighter version of its mass produced VO 1 shipboard observation aircraft. A two bay biplane, the VO 1 was not entirely suitable as the basis for a competitive fighter, and with only the same engine as before, the 200 hp Wright R 1790 Whirlwind, performance was inadequate. Nevertheless, 20 FU 1 fighters were converted from UO-3 for the US Navy, most of them being central float seaplanes (at least two were fitted with wheels for airfield use).

Despite being pleasant to fly, the FU was really only suitable for training. In their first year, ending in the winter 1928 29, the FU 1s equipped fighter squadron VF 2B aboard the carrier Langley. Thereafter the 18 that survived were converted into FU 2 trainers, still with a fixed Marlin machine gun. They remained in use as trainers and general-purpose aircraft into the 1930s.

Equipped for catapult launch, they were the last fighter so equipped.

FU
Engine: 220hp Wright J-5 (supercharged R-1790)
Span: 10.46 m (34 ft 4 in)
Length: 7.44 m (24 ft 5 in)
Gross weight: 1093 kg (2400 lb)
Useful load: 694 lb
Maximum speed: 236 km/h (147 mph)
Stall: 53 mph
Range: 430 mi
Seats: 1-2