The Skymaster was primarily used for forward air control, guiding close air support for attack aircraft assisting Allied ground forces.
In 1966, the O-2A replaced the O-1 Bird Dog as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. Fully equipped with wing pylons to carry flares, rockets, and minigun pods during the Vietnam War, these aircraft could encounter and confront an onslaught from small arms fire and return the pilot to safety. As essential members of FAC squadrons, Super Skymasters would fly from South Vietnam and Thailand into Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam to direct air strikes or gather reconnaissance information and deliver it back to fighter squadrons and ground troops.
Cessna Aircraft Company manufactured the O-2A on display in Wichita, Kansas, and delivered it to the US Air Force in April 1969. Once in service, this O-2 flew with several units and at several military installations during Vietnam — including Nha Trang, Cam Ranh Bay, Phan Rang, and Da Nang Air Bases. After the conflict, it flew with the Air National Guard’s 110th Tactical Air Support Group at Kellogg Field, Michigan, and the 163rd Fighter Interceptor Group at Ontario, California. It came to the Hill Aerospace Museum for permanent display in 1984.
At the end of the Vietnam War, remaining O-2 aircraft served in various assignments, mostly with Air National Guard units. Three O-2s assisted Air Force Flight Test Center programs at the Utah Test and Training Range, supported by Hill Air Force Base.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 68-10853
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
Primary Function: Forward Air Control
Crew: One to two
Engines: Two Continental IO-360-D, 210 hp each
Wingspan: 38 ft
Length: 29 ft 2 in
Height: 9 ft 5 in
Weight: 3,226 lbs (empty); 4,850 lbs (maximum)
Speed: 144 mph (cruising) 200 mph (maximum)
Range: 1,060 miles
Service Ceiling: 19,300 ft
Armament: Four pylons for rockets, flares, mini-gun pods, or other light ordnance
Cost: $92,000
Years of Service: 1967 – 1984
At the end of the Vietnam War, the remaining O-2 aircraft were sent to Air National Guard Units. Three O-2s were stationed at the Utah Test and Training Range, supported by Hill Air Force Base, to assist Air Force Flight Test Center programs.
The O-2A on display was delivered to the United States (US) Air Force in 1969 and was stationed at bases in Vietnam and the US. In 1983, Hill Air Force Base received this aircraft and it was put on display at Hill Aerospace Museum the following year.
The Skymaster was primarily used for forward air control, guiding close air support for attack aircraft assisting Allied ground forces.
The military Skymaster was based on the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster.
513 of the military variants were built between 1967 and 1975.