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O-2 Skymaster
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
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In late 1966 the
U.S. Air Force selected a military variant
of the Cessna Model 337 Super Skymaster,
designated the O-2, to supplement the O-1
Bird Dog forward air controller (FAC)
aircraft then operating in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished by twin tail booms and
tandem-mounted engines, it featured a
tractor-pusher propeller arrangement. 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 January 1967, and production
deliveries began in March. Production ended
in June 1970 after Cessna had built 532 O-2s
for the USAF.
Cessna produced two series -- the O-2A and the O-2B. The O-2A carried wing pylons for rockets, flares and other light ordnance. In the FAC role, the O-2A identified and marked enemy targets with smoke rockets, coordinated air strikes and reported target damage. The O-2B operated as 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. |
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