V-345 Kingfisher II VO-VS Design

[Bill S]

I searched through the topics and did not see one for the V-345 Kingfisher II.
This was a VO-VS design that Vought tried to sell the Navy.
Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation


bill

 

[Jemiba]

Many thanks for this one ! I'm surprised, that after the war, still a float plane was offered, as
the helicopter was on the horizon and more orders for other catapult launched aircraft were
already cancelled.

 

[cluttonfred]

Interesting, the Kingfisher is one of my favorites. Does anyone have any more info? Was this a new design or an upgrade of the original?

 

[hesham]

Excellent work Bill.

 

[Bill S]

In John Hospers notes it looks like this was marketed to the US Navy in 1945-46 time frame.
The notes include discussion with VO-VS crews concerning what their wants and needs were for a new aircraft. I am still looking for technical specs.


Bill

 

[Bill S]

In reading Hospers notes further they had a visit to the Bureau of Aeronautics in
December 1945 to present the new VO-VS airplane, Kingfisher - 2 Model V-345.


The few details mentioned included the ability to carry a stokes type stretcher,
provisions for Jato and APS-19 Radar. The engines mentioned are the R-1300 Wright Cyclone
and R-1340 Wasp engine it is not clear if they are the options or if the R-1300 is the preferred
power plant.


They were informed that there were no funds available primarily due to the Curtiss SC-2 and Edo
Aircraft XOSE-1 airplanes being manufactured.


More as I find it.


bill

 

[hesham]

Great Info Bill.

 

[Stargazer]

Bill, thanks for this sweet serendipity! Definitely a first for me.