Home
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.
|
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. Southeast Asia FAC aircraft losses: O-2A Skymaster total lost: 104 In combat: 82 First loss: 1967 Final loss: 1972 SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE |
Home