Cessna O-1 Bird Dog
The Cessna Bird Dog ( military designation Cessna L-19, 1962 Cessna O-1, and Cessna 305) is a light aircraft of the U.S. American manufacturer Cessna, which was used by the United States Air Force, the Army and the Marines. The pattern emerged from the year 1950 as the winner of a tender for light single-engine reconnaissance aircraft. The first aircraft were delivered under the name Cessna 305A to the army and soon after in L-19 (L for " liaison " to German " connection" ) renamed.
Development
1949 studied the U.S. armed forces for a robust liaison and observation aircraft. Cessna designed then the 305 a classic high-wing monoplane of all-metal construction. The wing of the Cessna 170 and the tail were taken from the Cessna 195. In the newly designed hull, a Continental O -470 -11 was fitted with 213 hp and upgraded the wings to improve the low-speed flight and STOL characteristics with extendible to 60 ° flaps.
The concept convinced the military and Cessna got the job in 1950 for first 418 copies.
The early versions had a Continental engine with 216 hp and rigid propellers, from 1956 was delivered a trainer version, known as TL- 19D with variable pitch. Of the total 2486 -built L -19A 66 copies to the U.S. Marine Corps ( USMC) were delivered. These machines were designated OE -1 ( post-1962 O- 1B). As an OE -2 ( after 1962 O -1C) a further developed version was designated the USMC, which used the wing of the Cessna 180 and a Continental O -470 -2.
The latest version (L- 19E, after 1962 O- 1E) were built by the 469 specimens had a 265 hp engine with variable pitch and electrically operated flaps. Armor under both seats and a self-sealing fuel tank system were also provided. The U.S. Defense Department ordered 3,400 L- 19, which were built 1950-1962.
Use types
The machines come in various roles for use, such as artillery observation, Courier service, Front Communications, Search and Rescue and training. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the L-19 came as a reconnaissance and forward air control to use.
Naming
The nickname Bird Dog was the result of a contest within the company Cessna. Winner was Jack A. Swayze, an industrial photographer. The name is English for bird dog and should use the ability as a reconnaissance aircraft and the reliability and good nature of the pattern to express.
When the army 1962, the designation system changed, the L -19A, TL - 19D and L- 19E were renamed O -1A, TO- 1D and O -1E. The OE- 1 of the U.S. Navy were to O -1B, the OE -2 with the more powerful 265 hp engine to O- 1C. In 1966, the O-1 were gradually replaced by the Cessna O -2 Skymaster.
Dissemination
The pattern was used not only in the United States in the following countries ( in alphabetical order):
- Chile, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Canada, Malta, Austria, Pakistan, South Korea, South Vietnam, Thailand,
Military user
- Australia Australia
- Chile Chile
- France France
- Indonesia Indonesia
- Italy Italy
- Japan Japan
- Canada Canada
- Malta Malta
- Norway Norway
- Austria Austria: 22 1959-1997
- Pakistan Pakistan
- Philippines Philippines
- China Republic Republic of China
- Sud Vietnam South Vietnam
- Spain
- Flag of South Korea South Korea
- Thailand Thailand
- United States United States
- Vietnam: captured by South Vietnam
Specifications
Museale reception
- A Cessna L- 19E Bird Dog of the Austrian Armed Forces is issued in the military air show in Zeltweg in Hangar 8 of the airbase Hinterstoisser, a branch of the Vienna Museum of Military History.