National Museum of the USAF   Right Corner Banner
Join the Air Force

Home > Fact Sheets > Cessna O-2A Skymaster

CESSNA O-2A SKYMASTER

Posted 2/15/2011 Printable Fact Sheet
 
Photos
Previous ImageNext Image
Cessna O-2A
DAYTON, Ohio -- Cessna O-2A Skymaster at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Download HiRes

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.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Rockets, flares, 7.62mm mini-gun pods or other light ordnance hung on four wing pylons
Engines: Two 210-hp Continental 10-360s
Maximum speed: 199 mph
Cruising speed: 144 mph
Range: 1,060 miles
Ceiling: 19,300 ft.
Span: 38 ft.
Length: 29 ft. 2 in.
Height: 9 ft. 5 in.
Weight: 4,900 lbs. loaded
Serial number: 67-21331

Click here to return to the Southeast Asia War Gallery.







 Inside the Museum

ima cornerSearch

 


tabCategories
tabMuseum Foundation
tabRelated Links
tabConnect

Museum Virtual TourMuseum Tour PodcastMuseum Facebook PageMuseum Twitter Page
Museum Flickr PageMuseum YouTube ChannelMuseum E-newsletter Sign-upMuseum RSS Feeds



Site Map      Contact Us     Questions     USA.gov     Security and Privacy notice     E-publishing