The sole XSO3C-1, BuNo 1385.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

The XSO3C-1 takes flight...


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

An early production SO3C-1 in landplane configuration. The print has been slightly retouched
for publcation, mainly in the areas of the wheel fairings, port wing, and upper prop blade.
Such alterations and enhancements to photographic prints were quite common in those days.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

Another common alteration to photos back then; the radar antenna under the port wing
of this SO3C-1 has been obscured by a censor in something of a less-than-artful manner!

Anyway, this is a later production SO3C-1 with the up-turned wing tips.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

An SO3C-1 in floatplane configuration. I believe that Seamews were delivered to the
US Navy in landplane configuration but could be fitted with floats as required.


Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection) - Larger Image

An Aviation Machinist's Mate tends to the Ranger V-770 of a Seamew. This engine
was quite troublesome, leading to the ultimate failure of the SO3C in service and its
replacement by the SOC Seagull; the type that the SO3C was itself meant to replace!

So dismal was the performance of the Seamew that crews referred to it as the'Sea Cow'.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image

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