Vought V-66E K3561 in 1936, after it had been relegated to hack status, with the observer’s gun ring removed and aerial masts fitted on the rudder and wingtips.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

K3561 displays its single-main-float layout on the Felixstowe slipway.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

The Vought V-66E Corsair biplane K3561 was one of a series of American prototypes purchased in Britain for technical evaluation.
This side view of K3561 at the A&AEE in 1935 shows the V-66E’s beefy and purposeful lines. Although the fuselage was a fabric-covered, welded-steel-tube structure, the wings were of wood, again fabric covered.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

Further study of the V-66E at Felixstowe in 1933. At this stage the Browning gun was still installed in the upper centre section. A small faired pilot’s headrest was added before these tests. Another distinctive feature was the continuation of the lower wing trailing edge into the fuselage and the fitting of a wing/fuselage fairing, whereas US Navy Corsairs had a cutaway close to the fuselage to enhance downward vision. The Corsairs were designed to be operated as landplanes and seaplanes, and could also be catapult-launched from capital ships. They were widely used by the US Navy and won several foreign orders, but K3561 was the only example flown in Britain.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

A typical Vought O3U-1, A-8547 displays the barrel of the 0-30in Browning machine-gun housed in the starboard side of the upper wing centre section and an arrester hook beneath the rear fuselage. The lack of a ring fairing around the engine is also evident.
Wasp C gave O3U-1 a 138-m.p.h. top speed and a 16,200-ft. service ceiling; fuselage side tankage was increased from 90 to 110 U.S. gal. Thirty-six were delivered to Navy in 1930, seventy-three in 1931. Landplane was 26 ft. 0 1/16 in. long, 11 ft. 6 in. high.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

The V-66E for Britain at Connecticut on December 2, 1932, shortly after completion. Its British military serial was added after its arrival in the UK.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

The Vought V-66E (serial K3561) photographed at Felixstowe in 1932.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

K3561 serving as a hack at the A&AEE in 1936, when it was flown by Flt Lt Edwin Shipley.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

Another study of the V-66E during its days as a hack at Martlesham in 1936. The fairing for the barrel of the Browning gun in the upper wing is clearly evident, though whether the gun was still installed at this time is unknown. It seems unlikely, as the Scarff-mounted Lewis was removed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

By the time the V-66E reached the A&AEE the Browning gun had been either faired over or removed altogether.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

K3561 during its initial evaluation at the MAEE, Felixstowe, in its floatplane configuration, 1933.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

K3561 under test as a landplane at Martlesham Heath in 1935. The spats on the main undercarriage wheels were a noticeable refinement.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926

Vought V-66E Corsair

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vought O2U/O3U/V-65/V-93 Corsair - СШАUSA - 1926