american observation developed united_states_navy late 1930s intended replace service scout aboard cruisers proved superior evaluation failed win production contract lack manufacturing capacity design development late 1930s united_states_navy developed set specifications new scout observation aircraft operate cruisers reconnaissance gunnery spotting roles intended replace requirements included aircraft folding wings superior range speed new type powered ranger engine designs submitted response navy specifications design designated model company similar company development replace aboard battleships wing moved higher fuselage differed attachment method single float landing gear addition radial engine replaced squared capable operated float seaplane conventional utilised metal construction exception control surfaces fabric covered wings folded rear storage manner similar torpedo bomber aircraft capable performing dive bombing fitted single bomb depth charge wing mission anti submarine warfare gun armament consisted machine guns mounted fixed position firing forwards propeller gear flexible position observer cockpit rear defense operational history assigned serial number flew time july flight seaplane took place december flight testing showed aircraft lacked directional stability addition large ventral fin connecting rear float tail helped cure problem aircraft suffered engine problems easily cured ranger engine known particularly prone problems solved aircraft original engine replaced oil cooler flight testing despite problems continued despite engine issues considered overall superior competing production capacity taken manufacture scout fighter result declared winner contract ordered production named royal_navy developed disastrous reputation service retired intended replace following end competition general utility aircraft hack navy supplied july use tests engine tests intended assist engine bell lightweight fighter remained troublesome years testing returned navy having use aircraft removed navy rolls july subsequently scrapped operators united_states united_states navy specifications data action general characteristics crew pilot observer length wingspan height wing area weight max takeoff weight fuel capacity gallons imp gal powerplant ranger engine propellers bladed constant speed performance maximum speed mph feet service ceiling armament guns machine guns fixed forwards firing flexible rear firing bombs light bombs depth charges racks
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