Ardpol 72-015 Douglas O-2H

The Douglas O-2 was an American observation and multipurpose aircraft from the interwar period. The plane was built in a biplane layout, had a mixed structure and a fixed landing gear in the classic layout. The machine was first flew in 1923, and a year later its serial production started. The drive - in the O-2 version - was provided by the engine V-1650 Liberty with 420hp . The on-board armament of the aircraft consisted of two 7.62 mm Browning machine guns. The machine could also carry bombs weighing up to 181 kilograms. The Douglas O-2 was developed as a development of the OX-2 prototype aircraft, on which two different engines were tested: Packard and Liberty. Finally, the latter was chosen and accepted by the US Air Force. In the course of operation, the Douglas O-2 turned out to be a successful and easy-to-use aircraft, also having a modernization potential. In the course of production, many of its development versions were created, including: O-2B (version capable of night flights), O-2D (transport version) or O-2H (observation version with improved aerodynamics, changed wingspan or with a new shape of the tail). Douglas O-2 planes were exported to China and Mexico.