Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
O-1 Bird Dog
| 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 ft² | 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.
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