The Curtiss Model 85 was the last heavy observation type to be purchased by the Army at $50,826.00 in 1939. The Owl was used for record-setting map and survey flights.
Inward folding doors in the observers cockpit provided for twin camera ports. A retractable turtle back, created for the SOCSeagull, was used to provide a maximum field of fire for the observers .30 cal machine gun.
The O-birds quickly fell from favor as they were an easy target and their duties were passed on to faster, more heavily armed fighter-bombers.
While in Brooks, Texas on January 10, 1942, it is of record that 2nd Lt. George Sloan ground looped while taxiing and severely damaged this aircraft.
| DISPLAY STATUS | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CURRENT LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Own | United States | Legends Hangar |
| PURPOSE & TYPE | MATERIALS | ERA & DATE RANGE |
| Surveillance | Steel | World War II 1939 – 1945 |
| PRODUCTION & ACQUISITION |
SPECIFICATIONS | SERVICE HISTORY |
| MFG: Curtiss First Produced: 1940 Number Built: 203 total Armament: (1) .30 caliber machine gun through prop; (1) .30 caliber flex mount in observer’s position Acquired by Yanks from the Experimental Aircraft Association and restored, this is the only airworthy Owl in existence. |
Wingspan: 40’9” Wing Area: 210 sq ft Length: 26’4” Height: 9’3” Empty Weight: 4,231 lbs Gross Weight: 5,364 lbs Powerplant: P/W R1340-51 Thrust: Cruise Speed: 192 mph Maximum Speed: 220 mph Range: 700 miles |
Delivered: August 27, 1941 Aug 1941 – 108th Observation Sqd, Chicago, AP IL Oct 1941 – Observer Training School Brooks AAF, TX Oct 1943 – 99th Sub Depot Sioux Falls AAF, SD. Aug 1944 – Cimmaron Field, OK to dispose as surplus Stricken: August 1944 |