Cessna Bird Dog
| L-19 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 Cessna L-19 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 Defense Department ordered 3,200 L-19s 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 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 re-designated in 1962 to the O-1, and were eventually replaced by the O-2 Skymaster in the Air Force and it continued service in the Army until the conclusion of the Vietnam War.
Operators
- Austria, Chile, France, indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malta, Pakistan, South Korea, South Vietnam, Thailand, Canada (Air Force, Army), United States (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps).
External links
- International Bird-Dog Society
- Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
- Warbird Alley
- Standard Aircraft Characteristics: O-1C (Navair Publication)
- International Liaison Pilots and Aircraft Ass'n (ILPA)