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AIR-16: Keystone PK-1 Seaplane (VP-1 insignia)

Historic photo: PK-1 seaplane Bruno 8506

Historic photo: PK-1 seaplanes Ford Island

Historic photo: PK-1 seaplane elephant insignia

HURL Artifact No.	AIR-16	*Denotes approximations and speculations


Name:	Keystone PK-1 Seaplane (VP-1 insignia)	Lost:	Unknown
Artifact Type:	Seaplane	Found:	10-Dec-04
Nationality:	USA	Dive No:	PIV-129/PV604
Class or Make:	Keystone	Location:	Defensive Sea Area
Model:	PK-1	Depth (m):	332m
Purpose:	Patrol	HURL crew:	Kerby, Kelley, Weirich/Cremer, Van Tilburg, Gleason
Serial Number:	(A8507-A8514, A8517-A8524)	Additional Dives:
Built/Launched:	1931-1935 (18)

Length:	48' 11"
Width:	72' Upper, 67' 2" Lower
Height:	16' 8.5"



Circumstance of Loss:	Intentionally Disposed	Crew Personnel/Position:	Crew of 5 (able to carry a relief crew for long flights)

Reason of Loss:	Replaced by PBY-4	Crew Survivals/Fatalities:	n/a

Artifact History:	18 PK-1's were built. Two crashed at sea (A8515 & A8516). All 18 were assigned to Squadron VP-1 (formerly VF-1). 13 were on inventory in 1938. They were replaced with 15 PBY's in 1939. Squadron conducted a number of war game exercises at French Frigate Shoals and Midway Island in the mid thirties. It is unknown when they were finally disposed.

Artifact Condition:	Wings are missing, but overall in good condition. Squadron VP-1 "elephant on cloud" insignia is visible. Port side appears to have a fracture in the bow about halfway to the wings. All instruments were removed from control panels. Several debris pieces in the general area including what appears to be an engine, a cowling ring, and a fiberglass tail piece.

Additional Information:	In close proximity to seaplane 1-P-9, although found on different dives. PK-1's were from the PN-12 design. It is distinguished from other seaplanes of this type by the twin tail rudders. The wings were fabric on metal framing. It had two 575hp Wright R-1820-64 Cyclone engines. They had a range of 16.9 hours at 70 mph (1309 miles).

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