O-1 Bird Dog - Definition and Overview

O-1 Bird Dog
The O-1 Bird Dog
Description
Role	Forward air control and reconnaissance
Crew	2 - pilot and observer
Dimensions
Length	25.83 ft	7.87 m
Wingspan	36 ft	10.97 m
Height	9.17 ft	2.79 m
Wing area	173.94 ft&sup2	16.16 m²
Weights
Empty	1,614 lb	732 kg
Loaded	2,400 lb	1,008 kg
Powerplant
Engines	One Continental O-470
Power	213 hp	159 kW
Performance
Maximum speed	150 mph	241.4 km/h
Combat range	530 mi	853 km
Service ceiling	20,300 ft	6,200 m
Rate of climb	1,040 ft/min	317 m/min

The O-1 Bird Dog is a military version of the Cessna 170 used by the United States Air Force, Army and Marines. It was developed as the winner of a 1950 competition for a new two-seat, single-engine observation plane.

The Air Force ordered 3,200 O-1s that were built between 1950 and 1959. The planes were used in various utility roles such as artillery spotting, front-line communications, medevac and training. During the Vietnam War, the planes were used for reconnaissance and forward air control. It was believed to be the smallest Air Force plane to see active duty.

It received the name of "Bird Dog" as a result of a contest held with Cessna employees to name the aircraft. The winning contestant was Jack A. Swayze, an industrial photographer. The name was chosen because of its indication of the reconnaissance mission of the aircraft, as well as its indication of reliability and friendliness.

The aircraft were eventually replaced by the O-2 Skymaster.

External Links

International Bird-Dog Society (http://www.l-19bowwow.com) Naming the Birddog (http://www.l-19bowwow.com/ARCHIVEs/members/history/jac_swayze_bd.htm)