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CESSNA
O-2A "SKYMASTER"
(Courtesy
of the USAF Museum)
Ever Wonder how our O-2s got to Southeast Asia?
to read this amusing account as written by Colonel Wood.
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The O-2 is a military
version of the Cessna Model 337 Super Skymaster. Distinguished by twin tail
booms and tandem-mounted engines, it features a tractor-pusher propeller
arrangement. Derived from the Cessna Model 336, the Model 337 went into
production for the civilian market in 1965. In late 1966, the USAF selected a
military variant, designated the O-2, to supplement the O-1 Bird Dog forward
air controller (FAC) aircraft then operating in Southeast Asia. Having twin
engines enabled the O-2 to absorb more ground fire and still return safely,
endearing it to its crews. The O-2 first flew in Jan. 1967 and production
deliveries began in March. Production ended in June 1970 after 532 O-2s had
been built for the USAF. Two series were produced:
the O-2A and the O-2B. The O-2A was equipped with wing pylons to carry
rockets, flares, and other light ordnance. In the FAC role the O-2A was used
for identifying and marking enemy targets with smoke rockets, coordinating
air strikes and reporting target damage. The O-2B was a psychological warfare
aircraft equipped with loudspeakers and leaflet dispensers. It carried no
ordnance. The O-2A on display was
assigned to the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Da Nang, South Vietnam
in the late 1960s. It was transferred to the Museum in December 1982. SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE |
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