OL-7

The Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation’s OL‑7 was a single‑engine, amphibious monoplane introduced in the early 1930s as the company’s response to the growing demand for versatile coastal patrol and transport aircraft. Developed from the earlier Loening LS series, the OL‑7 incorporated a high‑wing configuration, a fully enclosed cockpit, and a watertight fuselage with a retractable landing gear system that allowed operations from both water and conventional runways. Powered by a 540‑horsepower Wright R‑1820 radial engine, the aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 165 mph and a range of roughly 750 miles, while carrying up to six passengers or a small cargo load. Production numbers were modest—only twelve airframes were completed before Loening merged with the Douglas Aircraft Company in 1935. Nevertheless, the OL‑7 demonstrated the practicality of amphibious designs, influencing later models such as the Douglas Dolphin and the Consolidated PBY Catalina. Its combination of naval utility, reliable performance, and innovative hull construction earned the OL‑7 a respected place in interwar aviation history, showcasing Loening’s engineering ingenuity during a transformative era for aircraft development. Today, a restored OL‑7 is displayed at the National Air and Space Museum, reminding visitors of its pioneering role.