Loening OL-2

Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation · USA · first flew 1925 · light aircraft

The OL-2 was an early variant of the Loening OL amphibian series, a biplane sesquiplane observation amphibian that served with both the US Navy and Army Air Corps in the mid-1920s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.6 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Loening OL amphibian biplane, early series
Sesquiplane amphibian with central float and retractable wheels
1920s US Navy and Army amphibious observation biplane

Distinctive sesquiplane (unequal span biplane) with a prominent central float housing retractable wheels, single engine in a tractor configuration, and open tandem cockpits — the Loening hull form is unique among 1920s observation types.

Specifications

The Loening OL-2 has a length of 9.6 m (31 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.7 m (45 ft).
Its maximum speed is 198 km/h (123 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Grover Loening's amphibious biplane design was innovative for its era, combining a central hull float with retractable wheeled undercarriage to produce a true amphibian; the OL-2 was among the early Navy variants, serving alongside Army equivalents in the mid-1920s.

Variants

The OL series ran from OL-2 through OL-9, each variant differing primarily in engine type and equipment; early marks used Liberty or Packard engines while later marks transitioned to Wright radials.

Where you'll see it

Served with US Navy observation squadrons in the mid-1920s; the Loening OL family participated in several notable expeditions and survey flights, demonstrating the utility of the amphibian concept.

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