O-1 Bird Dog USAF Model Airplane

O-1 Bird Dog Model Airplane: Superior and State-of-the-Art Quality

About the O-1 Bird Dog USAF

The Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog was the first all metal fixed wing aircraft ordered for and by the United States Army. The Army was searching for an aircraft that could adjust artillery fire and perform liaison duties. The need for an all metal plane was due to the fact that the canvas covered liaison aircraft used during World War II had short service lives. In 1950, the perfect candidate was found: a civilian light plane called the Cessna 170. After being modified to fit the needs of the Army, the new two-seat single-engine aircraft was given the designation of L-19 Bird Dog. The military version had reduced seating capacity and a transparent panel that had been inserted in the wing above the seats. The access door was widened to accommodate a standard military stretcher. The L-19 performed better in takeoff and climb compared to its World War II predecessors, and provided more comfort to the pilot and observer.

The name Bird Dog was the result of a contest held with Cessna employees to name the plane. The winning entry was submitted by industrial photographer Jack A. Swayze and was chosen because the role of the plane was to find the enemy and circle over them until attack aircraft arrived. While flying close to the battlefield, the pilot would observe the exploding shells and adjust artillery fire via radios, in the manner of a bird dog or gun dog used by game hunters.

The L-19 Bird Dog was the ideal aerial spotter and was used widely in southeast Asia. L-19 / O-1s were one of the ubiquitous sights for ten years over the terrain of Vietnam, before being withdrawn from service in 1971.

Get this O-1 Bird Dog model plane exclusive at Warplanes! This O-1 Bird Dog model aircraft is modeled using various high-quality grade materials by our master craftsmen. It is carved from solid mahogany and entirely hand painted, designed to match the original aircraft. A coat of clear lacquer protects the aircraft and gives it a glossy finish.