A couple shots of the lesser known Curtiss O-52 Owl (Curtiss Model 85)
The last of the heavy "O" models to be procured in number, the observation role was to be taken over by the smaller lighter "L" Liaison models. Designed from polyglot of existing Curtiss navy types, the Army Air Corps ordered 203 without seeing a prototype. The cash strapped 1930's saw congress offering up dollars for cheaper observation type planes as opposed to more expensive attack, pursuit, fighters and bombers. Army doctrine of the 30's still largely saw the aircraft as in support to ground troops,in an observation and scouting role replacing the cavalry. The Owl would mark an end to two decades of Army planning to re-fight W.W.I.
Upon delivery after the start of the European war, the type was determined to be too vulnerable to attack, too slow for defense and poorly armed and armoured. Aircrews complained of poor handling, ground forces complained about the quality of the recon intel from the craft, citing that the aircraft was too fast to be accurate! One pilot commented that the aircraft looked as if a group of blacksmiths had gathered their forges and went to work making parts with anvils and sledge hammers. The type was largely pulled from overseas front line service. A few were delivered to the Philippines (considered "indefensible" by the War Department,a large number of 2nd line and obsolete aircraft were assigned there) just prior to December 7th 1941. (There are unsubstantiated reports of a few even taking to the air during the Japanese invasion, one Bronze Star recipient claiming to have been shot down twice in one day as an observer/gunner.) The remainder stayed stateside as squadron hacks or for use in short range antisubmarine patrols on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
A further 30 were consigned to the Soviet Union (under objection by the Soviets) through the Lend Lease program, 23 of which were delivered - 19 in flyable condition without construction or flight manuals. They mainly flew in artillery spotting missions, and were generally disliked by her Russian crews, although a small number were maintained and flown through the 1950's.