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HS-2

The HS-2 was developed from an original twin- motored seaplane designed for the Army, which, however, did not prove successful. It was originally intended to be used with two 100-hp. engines. Later, when the Navy took hold of it, the Curtiss VX3, a 200-hp. engine, was used, and this seaplane gave a fairly satisfactory performance with this powerplant. At about the same time the Liberty engine became available, and as soon as it was installed it was found that this performance was very much improved and this seaplane was capable of flying at a total weight of about 5900 Ib. On this basis it was then attempted to convert it into a military machine by providing the necessary guns, bombs and other equipment. After everything had been added, it was found impracticable to carry the military load desired on a limit of 5900 Ib. total weight.

The expedient was therefore adopted of adding wing surface, and the original HS-1 thus became the HS-2, capable of carrying a load of 6500 Ib. with practically no reduction in full speed and with considerable increase in climbing power. Many forced landings have been made at sea; some due to powerplant difficulties, such as stoppage of fuel supply, or failure of the engine or propeller, and sometimes due to head winds forcing a landing on a return trip on account of exhaustion of fuel. Although many of these landings were made under bad weather conditions and in rough seas, in nearly ever case landings were accomplished without serious damage to the hull.

The pilot and assistant pilot are seated in a cockpit just forward of the wings, from which point they have a good view for the operating of the seaplane. A radio outfit is provided just forward of the pilot. A gunner's cockpit is fitted in the bow, and this cockpit is provided with a gun ring and Lewis gun. This gunner has a very good range of fire, particularly ahead and down and on either beam; also upward and to the rear above the planes. But there are no means of firing abaft the beam, and the boat is unprotected against attack from the rear. In the gunner's cockpit are also fitted the bomb pulls and the sight for dropping the bombs, which are located under the wings just clear of the hull.

On account of its undefended condition against attack from the rear, this seaplane was not used in sectors where it would be exposed to attacks by enemy aircraft, but there were many places abroad-and, of course, in this country-where no such attack was probable and where it proved particularly useful in submarine patrol and convoy work. This seaplane is also used for instruction purposes as an advance step toward handling the regular twin-motored seaplanes. The HS-2 is provided with a single Liberty engine and a pusher propeller, and has very satisfactory air maneuvering qualities.