TheVought XSB3U was an American biplanescout bomber developed byVought-Sikorsky for theUnited States Navy during the 1930s. Developed as an alternative to theSB2U Vindicator monoplane, the aircraft proved unsatisfactory to the Navy in comparison, and development was not pursued.
Exemplifying theBureau of Aeronautics' reluctance to fully embrace the monoplane configuration for carrier-based aircraft,[4] the XSB3U-1 was proposed as a more conventional alternative to Vought'sXSB2U-1, which was designed as a modern monoplane. The XSB3U was modified from the last productionSBU Corsair,[3] using essentially the same airframe, including a fully enclosed cockpit, andPratt & Whitney R-1535radial engine, but with a more streamlined surface and cowling. In addition, the XSB3U had fully retractable landing gear.[4]
The XSB3U-1 was delivered toNaval Air Station Anacostia for evaluation by the U.S. Navy in April 1936,[5] at the same time as its primary competitor, the XSB2U-1.[4] Comparative testing of the two aircraft during 1936 proved the complete superiority of the monoplane configuration;[6] on the same power, the SB2U-1 was 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) faster despite being larger and heavier than the biplane.[4] However, the Navy was impressed by the XSB3U's method of landing gear retraction, which provided a more streamlined surface after retraction than most other methods used at the time.[7]
Following the end of the evaluation, the XSB3U was retained by the Navy, and used for experimental andliaison purposes by the Navy,[4] also being used byNACA atLangley Field for testing of tail loads starting in August 1938, continuing through January 1939[8] when the aircraft was returned to the Navy, being retired shortly thereafter.[9][10]
Dann, Richard S. (1996).Grumman Biplane Fighters in action. Aircraft In Action. Vol. 150. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications.ISBN0-89747-353-1.
Doll, Tom (1992).SB2U Vindicator in action. Aircraft In Action. Vol. 122. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications.ISBN0-89747-274-8.
Donald, David (1997).Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Orbis Publishing Ltd.ISBN0-7607-0592-5.
