The collectable model O2SU-3/5 Kingfisher represents the first catapult-launched observation monoplane in Navy service. Painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen with a wealth of detail, this 1/24-scale O2SU-3/5 Kingfisher makes a great gift for any aviation enthusiast or history buff.

The OS2U Kingfisher first flew on March 1, 1938. The O2SU-3/5 variants included self-sealing fuel tanks, armor protection, two .30 caliber guns (dorsal and nose mounted), and able to carry 325 lb of depth charges or 100 lb pounds of bombs, powered by a 450 hosepower Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine.

The OS2U came in both float and land-based configurations, and served as observer aircraft, anti-submarine aircraft, and rescue aircraft. The Kingfisher's most important role during the war was as rescuer of downed aviators, and was second only to the PBY Catalina in this job. On November 11, 1942, a Kingfisher known as "The Bug", which had survived the attack on Pearl Harbor - rescued Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker and the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress he was with after they crashed in the Pacific and survived 28 days in life rafts.