Cessna O-1E 'Bird Dog', Old Warden 2007 ©Nigel Key
ROLE
Observation aircraft.
FIRST FLIGHT
14th December 1949.
The Cessna Model 305A is based on the Cessna 170 and is a single engine, light weight, high wing strut aircraft which is fitted with 2 seats in tandem and angled side windows to improve ground visibility.
The rear fuselage is designed to provide a direct rear view and there are transparent panels in the wing above the cockpit to give the pilot an overhead view.
The aircraft was designated L-19A by the US Army, with later versions having constant speed propellers.
The name ‘Bird Dog’ was given to the L-19 after a competition was held with Cessna employees to name the aircraft.
The Cessna Bird Dog was designed to orbit over the enemy until either attack aircraft or artillery was brought to bear and the pilot would observe and give instructions to adjust the fire accordingly via his radio.
PRODUCTION
The Cessna Bird Dog was produced from 1950 to 1959, with 3,431 built.
ENGINE
Continental 0-47-11, producing 213 hp.
ARMAMENT
500 lb (226 kg) bomb load.
The Cessna ‘Bird Dog’ was used in various roles such as artillery spotting, front line communications, medevac and training.
| Crew - 1 or 2 (in tandem) |
| Length - 25ft 9in (7.85m) |
| Wingspan - 36ft 0in (10.97m) |
| Height - 7ft 3.5in (2.22m) |
| Empty Weight - 1,614lb (732kg) |
| Max. Weight - 2,400lb (1,087kg) |
| Max. Speed - 151 mph (243 km/h) |
| Range - 530 miles (853 km) |
