Cessna O-1 Birddog
The Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog is a liaison and observation aircraft, and was the first all-metal fixed-wing aircraft ordered for and by the United States Army. The Bird Dog had a lengthy career in the U.S. military, as well as in other countries, and `was widely used during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War the Bird Dog was used primarily for reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment, radio relay, convoy escort and the forward air control of tactical aircraft, to include bombers operating in a tactical role.
Specifications
Type: Liason/Observational Aircraft
Crew: 2
Maiden Flight: 1949
Number Built: 3,421
Powerplant: Continental O-470-11, 6- Cylinder flat engine
Horsepower: 213
Empty Weight: 1,614lbs
Max Takeoff Weight: 2,400lbs
Max Speed: 130 MPH
Range: 530 Miles
Service Ceiling: 20,300 ft
Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog History
The O-1 had no armor, lacked self-sealing fuel tanks, and flew at speeds of World War 1 biplanes. As early as 1961 the established policy was for all tactical strike aircraft- fighters, attack, and gunships- were under the control of a forward air controller who cleared combat strikes. The O-1 carried very light ordinance in comparison to other military aircraft of its day. Only small rockets for marking targets, were carried under its wings. Eventually O-1’s were phased out in favor of the Cessna O-2 Skymaster, and the North American OV-10 Bronco. While the Vietnam War raged on, the CIA conducted a secret war with General Vhang Pao in the neutral country of Laos. Multiple US presidents denied the existence of such war. During the Secret War, the O-1s directed enormous air assets against the North Vietnamese, with their pilots famously known as, The Ravens. The Ravens operated with the Air Force Special Operations Squadrons based in Thailand, and the CIA’s famous airline, Air America. 3 Forward Air Controllers during the Vietnam War received the congressional medal of honor for their bravery, courage, and resolve. Once the Forward Air Controllers found, and cleared a target, they would mark it accurately with a white phosphorus smoke rocket (Willy Pete). The FAC would continue to control the operation as the fighters, or rescue helicopter arrived on station. Keeping a close look out for enemy ground fire.
