Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Acree on July 27, 2014, 11:29:43 AM

Title: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Acree on July 27, 2014, 11:29:43 AM
The Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray was developed as the US Navy's first dedicated anti-submarine aircraft designed from the outset for that role. The aircraft was a pure flying boat, designed for use from shore bases and seaplane tenders, though it was too heavy for catapults aboard cruisers and battleships.  The Stingray was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including ASV radar on a wing-mounted pod and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) on a tail-mounted boom.  A bow turret was designed to protect the aircraft from submarines' deck gun crews in attacks on surfaced subs, and mounted two .50 caliber machine guns.  The Stingray could also carry four 375 lb depth charges or two Mk 24 FIDO torpedoes.  Power came from a single 2000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine.  The three-man crew consisted of a single pilot, the bow gunner, and a systems operator seated in the rear fuselage.  Though crews loved the high speed and power of the Stingray, pilots disliked the relatively small cockpit on long patrol missions, and they inevitably nicknamed the aircraft the "P-U Stinky."  Several PU-1s were exported under Lend-Lease to allies such as Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil.

I know the photos aren't too good.  I'll try to post better ones later.  One photo was intended especially to show the beaching cradle which I built totally from scratch.  More photos in next post...
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Acree on July 27, 2014, 11:30:20 AM
Additional SPU-1 photos...
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on July 27, 2014, 11:43:04 AM
Wow!  That is one strange looking aircraft.  All of the features of the Kingfisher and a dash of Catalina thrown in for good measure.  :)
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: finsrin on July 27, 2014, 03:07:20 PM
WOW - creativity abounds  :-*
Dang nice !
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: ericr on July 27, 2014, 03:24:58 PM
astonishing single float plane!

or is it a flying boat?

Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 27, 2014, 04:48:08 PM
Wow! :-\ :)
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: FAAMAN on July 27, 2014, 04:59:45 PM
Wow!!! Exceptional Whiff!!! 8) 8)
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Cliffy B on July 28, 2014, 02:39:24 AM
NICE!  Would hate to fly it though as it seems a bit nose heavy   ;D
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 29, 2014, 05:01:38 AM
My favorite part is how the cockpit is so snug against the nose turret.

Yet another incredibly imaginative concept!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Buzzbomb on July 29, 2014, 06:22:03 AM
That is a very creative design and build.

Well done
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Kerick on July 29, 2014, 11:57:20 AM
It violates about 90% of the laws of physics, but hey, go for it!
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Tophe on July 29, 2014, 01:29:11 PM
I love this very unusual shape, thanks a lot! :-*
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: apophenia on August 04, 2014, 10:54:32 AM
Now that is an original layout! Very nice  :)
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Camthalion on August 04, 2014, 10:26:15 PM
looks cool.  Nice work
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: taiidantomcat on August 06, 2014, 08:39:02 PM
Super unique!! Wow!! I love prop whiffs, and this is very original as well  :-*
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: Tophe on August 06, 2014, 11:36:56 PM
I was so inspired I tried to draw a similar Lightning... (see today's post at http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=4606.30 (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=4606.30))
Thanks again!
Title: Re: Chance Vought SPU-1 Stingray
Post by: John Howling Mouse on September 08, 2014, 02:14:13 AM
Now THAT is an original concept, wow!  Impressive ingenuity and creativity.