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Until mid WWII it was common for battleships and cruisers to have one or more catapult planes onboard. Originally mainly for gunnery spotting but as radar became better this role vanished and as carriers also were along the general reconnosaince and liason role was taken over by carrier planes and the catapults and their planes sent ashore.

But in the time frame when catapultplanes were still needed I've always thought that a single engine was risky business above the open sea - so would it be feasible with a twin engine catapult plane?

In the classical gunnery spotting role it wouldn't be important as the spotting plane usually would be within viewing range of the mother ship, but would say a Grumman Widgeon be possible as a catapulted plane for recon, SAR and liason?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_G-44_Widgeon

It appear to be within the limits of wing span and weight and it can take 3-4 passengers.
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