The O-46A, the last of a long line of Douglas observation planes, was a victim of progress. It was designed to operate from established airfields behind fairly static battle lines as in WW I. However, in 1939, a report was issued on the O-46A which stated that it was too slow and heavy to outrun
and outmaneuver enemy pursuit planes, too heavy to operate from small, wet, unprepared fields, and too large to conceal beneath trees. This report was a forecast of the future, for WW II with its rapidly changing battle lines proved the need for light, maneuverable observation aircraft which could operate from unimproved airstrips. Consequently, in 1942, the "O" (observation) designation was changed to "L" (liaison). The Air Corps ordered 90 O-46As in 1935. At least 11 saw overseas duty; two were destroyed in the Japanese raid on Clark Field in the Phillipines on Dec. 8, 1941. The remainder were declared obsolete in late 1942 and after that were used primarily in training and utility roles.

For a photo of this aircraft, click here.
Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia here.
(updated February 2009)
 

Douglas O-46

Type:		observation
Crew:		two
Armament: 	Two .30 cal. Browning machine guns
		(one wing mounted and one flexible)

Specifications:
	Length:        	34' 9.5"
	Height:        	10' 4"
	Wingspan:      	45' 9"
	Wing area:	N/A
	Empty Weight:  	N/A
	Max Weight: 	6100 lb max at takeoff

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	1
	Powerplant:    	Pratt & Whitney R-1535
	Horsepower:	725 hp

Performance:
	Range:		635 miles
	Cruise Speed:   171 mph
	Max Speed:      200 mph
	Ceiling:       	24,150 ft

(info courtesy of USAF) 

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