Loening OL-3

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

The OL-3 was a mid-series variant of the Loening OL amphibian observation biplane, sharing the family's distinctive sesquiplane layout with a central hull float and retractable wheel undercarriage.

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 sesquiplane amphibian, mid-series
Central-float amphibian biplane with retractable undercarriage
1920s US Navy observation amphibian

Essentially identical in appearance to the OL-2 and other OL variants; the characteristic Loening sesquiplane hull with retractable wheels beneath the central float distinguishes the whole OL family from contemporary observation types.

Specifications

The Loening OL-3 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

The OL-3 followed the OL-2 in the US Navy's procurement of Loening amphibians, with engine or equipment changes differentiating the variants; the series proved the value of the amphibian observation aircraft in the mid-1920s fleet.

Variants

One of many OL sub-variants spanning OL-2 through OL-9; each mark featured incremental improvements in engine, equipment, or detail design while retaining the same fundamental airframe.

Where you'll see it

Operated by US Navy observation squadrons in the mid-1920s; the Loening amphibians were replaced by more modern types as the decade progressed.

Related aircraft

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