Naval biplanes remained common outside Britain in the late 1930s and into World War II. Their layout provided useful lift at a time when long-range flight demanded large fuel loads and more powerful engines consumed still more fuel. Designers had to balance endurance, weight, and aerodynamic performance. The Curtiss SOC Seagull remained in service through 1945 as a surface-ship spotting aircraft because that compromise still suited the mission. Its survival reflected a practical requirement rather than simple technical backwardness.
Notable Point · 14:07-15:20
Why biplane floatplanes persisted into World War II
The biplane layout gave floatplanes the lift needed for long-range observation when engine power and fuel economy imposed hard limits.