OL-1

The Loening OL‑1 was a pioneering amphibious observation aircraft developed in the early 1930s by the Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation, a firm known for its innovative flying‑boat designs. Conceived to meet the U.S. Navy’s demand for a lightweight, ship‑borne scout, the OL‑1 first flew in 1932 and entered limited service the following year. Its most distinctive feature was the high‑mounted, strut‑braced parasol wing combined with a streamlined, pusher‑propeller configuration that kept the propeller clear of water spray during sea operations. The aircraft incorporated a hull of aluminum alloy with watertight compartments, retractable landing gear for land‑based runways, and an open cockpit that offered excellent forward visibility for reconnaissance duties. Powered by a 450‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engine, the OL‑1 could reach 155 mph and operate for up to six hours, providing the Navy with a versatile platform for coastal patrol, artillery spotting, and rescue missions. Although only a small batch was built, the OL‑1 demonstrated the practicality of amphibious designs and influenced later Loening models such as the LS‑2 and the iconic Loening Duck, securing its place in early amphibious aviation history.