Loening OL-9
Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation · United States · first flew 1928 · light aircraft
The Loening OL-9 was the final production variant of the Loening amphibian family, a single-engine observation biplane with Loening's characteristic integrated float-hull and used by all three US armed services.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive Loening layout — hull integrated with fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine observation amphibian biplane with central main float
- Distinctive Loening layout — hull integrated with fuselage
- Used by US Army and Navy for observation duties in late 1920s
A biplane amphibian distinguished by its single large central float that blends into the lower fuselage, with the radial engine mounted above on struts, and outrigged wing-tip floats.
Specifications
- The Loening OL-9 has a length of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.9 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 196 km/h (122 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The OL series was Loening's principal product through the 1920s, with successive marks improving the engine and equipment. The OL-9 represented the ultimate refinement before Loening was absorbed into Keystone Aircraft in 1928.
Variants
The OL series ran from OL-1 through OL-9; the family also served as the COA-1 with the US Army and was exported in small numbers.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Army Air Corps, US Navy, and US Marine Corps in the coastal patrol and observation roles through the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Related aircraft
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