The Douglas O-43 was a monoplane observation
aircraft used by the
United States Army Air Corps.
Development
Five
Y1O-31A service-test aircraft were ordered in 1931, and delivered to the USAAC in early 1933 designated Y1O-43. They differed from the final configuration of the O-31A, with a wire-braced
parasol wing, and a new fin and rudder. An order for 23 O-43A aircraft was completed during 1934, with a deepened fuselage, which eliminated the need for the ventral bulge under the observer's position. Powered by a single 675 hp
Curtiss V-1570-59 inline engine, it also had taller vertical surfaces with an inset rudder similar to the O-31A. The canopy was enlarged, and fully enclosed both cockpits. The O-43 and O-43A served with the USSAC observation squadrons for several years before being assigned to National Guard units,
["The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft]
cover
Editors: Paul Eden & Soph Moeng, (Amber Books Ltd. Bradley's Close, 74-77 White Lion Street, London, NI 9PF, 2002, ), 1152 pp. such as the
111th Observation Squadron
The 111th Attack Squadron (111 ATKS) is a unit of the Texas Air National Guard 147th Attack Wing located at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas. The 111th is equipped with the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UA ...
Brownwood Airfield Texas, 15th Observation Squadron
Fort Sill
Fort Sill is a United States Army post north of Lawton, Oklahoma, about 85 miles (136.8 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. It covers almost .
The fort was first built during the Indian Wars. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark ...
Oklahoma, and 3rd Observation Squadron
Langley Field Virginia.
The 24th airframe of the O-43A contract was completed as the
XO-46 prototype.
Specifications (O-43A)
See also
References
External links
The United States Army Air Forces in World War IIBoeing HistoryAerofiles
{{USAAF observation aircraft
O-43
The Douglas O-43 was a monoplane observation aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps.
Development
Five Y1O-31A service-test aircraft were ordered in 1931, and delivered to the USAAC in early 1933 designated Y1O-43. They differed from ...
Douglas O-43
Single-engined tractor aircraft
Parasol-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1930