(Left) Starting in March 1941 the colourful squadron markings ivere replaced with a dull overall grey. The national insignia was Placed on both sides of the fuselage but removed from the top and lower left wings. The squadron designation and ship name, in white, was retained until after 7th December, 1941. (Photo: the author). (Right) One of the main advantages of the SOC over the previous Vought observation types was that its wings would fold to give a total width Of only 12 feet 6 inches. Some Second World War cruisers had hangers above or below deck for repair work. (Photo: the author)
The fuselage was constructed of a welded steel tube frame covered with aluminium alloy panels in the front and fabric in the rear. The wings were an aluminum alloy frame covered with fabric. The fin and horizontal stabilizers were metal covered while the rudder and elevators were fabric covered.
One of the unique design features was the use of Handley Page automatic slots on the leading edge of the top wing. These were supported on steel forged curve tracks moving in ball bearing roller guides. The three panels, two wing panels plus the centre section, were not connected to each other and thus operated independently. A manual lock was provided for the pilot to use in flight but this was automatically disengaged as soon as the flaps were lowered.
A life raft was stowed under the pilots seat, a first aid kit was under the turtleback aft of the gun, a tool kit was mounted on the forward side of the firewall, a map case was on the left side of the front cockpit near the floor, and a hoisting sling was housed in the upper centre wing panel aft of the rear beam.
The Pratt and Whitney R-1340 engine of 550 h.p. was used on all models, driving a nine-foot diameter single piece Curtiss propeller.
(Left) An SOC-3 flying in support of the North African invasion. Note the yellow circle surrounding the 1942 centreless star, and observer's machine giin in the "alert" position. (Photo: U.S. Navy). (Right): An SOC-IA attached to the Utility Unit of the U.S.S. Charger (CVE-30), an escort carrier used to train CVE crews in Chesapeake Bay. Photo taken 6th January, 1944. (Photo: National Archives 80-G-208390)