Curtiss SC Seahawk: The U.S. Navy’s Last-Waterborne Scout Plane

Curtiss SC Seahawk: The U.S. Navy’s Last-Waterborne Scout Plane

1. Historical Background

The Curtiss SC Seahawk was developed between 1942 and 1944 by the Curtiss Airplane and Motor Company as a replacement for the outdated SO3C Seamew and OS2U Kingfisher scout planes. Although its performance was excellent, it entered service late—October 1944—and therefore saw only limited wartime action. Production ran until 1949, with a total of 577 aircraft built.

2. Design & Key Specifications

Powerplant: Wright R-1820-62 Cyclone 9 radial engine, 1,350 hp

Max Speed: 229 mph (368 km/h) with floats

Dimensions:

Wingspan: 12.67 m

Length: 8.66 m

Height (with floats): ~3.5 m

Armament:

2 × .50 cal Browning M2 machine guns (wing-mounted)

2 × external racks for bombs (2 × 250 lb) or depth charges (2 × 325 lb)

Provision for AN/APS-4 radar pod under right wing

Features:

Automatic half-wing flaps for better low-speed handling

Folding wings for compact storage aboard ships

3. Main Variants
XSC-1 (Prototype): Early trials with R-1820-62, first flight on February 16, 1944

SC-1: Pre-production version with twin floats; about 500 ordered

SC-2: Upgraded to R-1820-76 engine for improved high-altitude performance (not mass-produced)

4. Paint Schemes & Markings Tri-color WWII Camouflage:

Experimental or Tropical Patterns (Rare)
In some cases have been observed:

FS 34087 Olive Drab + FS 36270 Neutral Gray

National Insignia: White star in blue circle with white bars on wings and fuselage sides

Deck Codes: Often carried white side numbers on the wing and squadron letters on the tail

5. Model-Building Tips
Scales & Kits:

1/48 – Halberd Models resin conversion (excellent detail)

1/72 – Signifier and SMER injection kits

Details:

Scribe panel lines on floats with fine glue seams

Use thin styrene strips for hinges on the folding wings

Painting:

Prime with 50% gray primer

Airbrush the camouflage using low-tack masking tape

Apply national markings with decals or hand-paint, then add a light panel wash for depth

Weathering:

Dry-brush silver on high-wear areas (float struts, leading edges)

Light gray-brown wash to simulate deck grime and oil streaks

6. Diorama Ideas
Cruiser or Battleship Flight Deck:

Position the Seahawk on a catapult launch rail

Add crew figures with launch gear, fuel hose reels, and ordnance carts

Seaside Patrol Seaplane Base:

Small pier, fuel barrels, wooden crate stacks, and maintenance tents

Weathered concrete apron with oil stains and scattered tools

Emergency Water Landing:

Clear-resin water with gentle ripples around the floats

Rescue launch boat alongside with pilot and observer figures

7. Source

https://naval-encyclopedia.com/naval-aviation/ww2/us/curtiss-sc.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com