United States' Curtiss SO3C Seagull, Seamew floatplane

Photos

Curtiss SO3C Seagull returning to its ship after directing fire at Casablanca: United States Army in World War II, Pictorial Record, The War Against Germany and Italy: Mediterranean and Adjacent Areas, 1951, pg 21	Curtiss SO3C Seagull floatplane:
Curtiss-Wright SO3C-1 Seagull floatplane: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook	Curtiss-Wright SO3C-1 Seagull floatplane: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook
Curtiss SO3C Seamew Mk I floatplane in May 1943:

Design

The Curtiss SO3C Seamew was developed to replace the Curtiss SOC Seagull scouting biplanes.¹ The Curtiss-Wright SO3Cs were constructed in two versions, one with floats and the other as a land based aircraft.²

Prototype

The XSO3C-1 prototype first flew on October 6, 1939.¹ It had a floatplane and under wing outriggers.¹

There were severe stability problems and upturned wingtips and larger tail surfaces were added.¹

Production

Production stopped in January 1944.¹

• XSO3C-1: 1¹
• SO3C-1: 141¹
• SO3C-2: 200¹
• SO3C-2C: 359¹
• SO3C-3: 39¹
• Total: 740¹

Variants

• XSO3C-1: Prototype.¹
• SO3C-1: Deliveries started in July 1942.¹
• SO3C-2: Had arrestor gear for carrier operations.¹
• SO3C-2C / Seamew Mk I: Had new electronics, brakes, and radio.¹
• SO3C-1K / Queen Seamew: Conversions to target drones.¹

Usage

Britain and the United States used the Curtiss SO3C Seamew.¹

The SO3C was only used for 2 years.¹ Due to their poor service they were converted into target drones.¹ Their replacement was the Curtiss SOC Seagull biplanes that were brought out of mothballs.¹

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom gave the SO3C the name Seamew, which replaced what it was originally called, the Seagull.¹

The Royal Navy was delivered 100 out of 250 Seamews ordered.¹ They were used only for training.¹

Specifications