Curtiss SOC Seagull
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1934 · light aircraft
The Curtiss SOC Seagull was a US Navy biplane scout-observation floatplane that served throughout the Second World War from cruisers and battleships, launched by catapult for over-the-horizon spotting and reconnaissance. Despite being obsolete by 1941, its reliability kept it in front-line service far longer than expected.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US Navy biplane floatplane/amphibian scout
- Single radial engine biplane with central float and wing tip floats
- Catapult-launched from cruisers and battleships
A sesquiplane biplane with a single Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine, a large central float, and small wing-tip floats; the upper wing is noticeably larger than the lower, and a two-seat open rear cockpit is standard.
Specifications
- The Curtiss SOC Seagull has a length of 9.56 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.07 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 282 km/h (175 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1934, the SOC replaced earlier Vought O3U Corsairs and entered service in 1935. It was convertible between floatplane and landplane configuration. Despite the arrival of the Curtiss SO3C and Vought OS2U Kingfisher, the Seagull outlasted both on many vessels due to its superior sea-handling qualities. It served through to the end of World War II.
Variants
SOC-1, SOC-2, SOC-3, and SOC-4 differed in detail; the SON-1 was a Naval Aircraft Factory-built version; landplane versions served shore-based roles.
Where you'll see it
Served extensively with the US Navy and US Coast Guard during World War II, operating from capital ships and cruisers in every theatre; also supplied to the Royal Canadian Navy.
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