RD-2 Dolphin

The Douglas RD‑2 Dolphin, a versatile amphibious aircraft first flown in 1931, epitomized the transition from the early era of biplane flying boats to more modern monoplane designs. Developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company as a civilian luxury transport, the Dolphin was quickly adapted for military service and received the designation RD‑2 in United States Navy inventory. Its all‑metal, high‑wing monoplane configuration housed a spacious, fully enclosed cabin that could accommodate up to eight passengers or a crew of three, while its retractable wing‑mounted pontoons allowed water operations without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engines, the Dolphin offered a cruising speed of roughly 165 mph and a range exceeding 1,000 mi, making it suitable for coastal patrol, transport, and early air‑sea rescue missions. The aircraft’s dual‑purpose capability proved valuable during the 1930s and early World War II years, influencing later amphibian concepts such as the Douglas Sea‑Dawn and the PBY Catalina. Though only a few dozen were built, the RD‑2 Dolphin demonstrated that a compact, comfortable amphibian could serve both civilian luxury travel and demanding naval operations, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of amphibious aviation.