As with the civilian version, the Skymaster was a low-cost twin-engine piston-powered aircraft, with one engine in the nose of the aircraft and a second engine in the rear of the fuselage. The push-pull configuration meant a simpler single-engine operating procedure due to centerline thrust compared to the common low-wing mounting of most twin engine light planes, and also allowed for a high wing, providing clear observation below and behind the aircraft. During the Vietnam War, the Skymaster was intended to be replaced in the forward air control (FAC) mission by the OV-10 Bronco, but the O-2A maintained a night mission role after the OV-10s introduction due to the OV-10s high level of cockpit illumination, rendering night reconnaissance impractical. The O-2 was phased out completely after additional OV-10 night upgrades.

The first O-2 flew in January 1967 and the plane went into production shortly thereafter, with the USAF taking delivery in March 1967. A total of 532 O-2s were built in two variants for the USAF by 1970. The O-2A served as a FAC aircraft with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, while the O-2B was equipped with loudspeakers and a leaflet dispenser for use in the psychological operations (PSYOPS) role. Several USAF O-2 aircraft were later transferred to and operated by the former VNAF South Vietnamese Air Force.

Following the Vietnam War, the O-2 continued to operate with both U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units well into the late 1980s.

TECHNICAL NOTES:

Armament:Rockets,flares, 7.62mm mini-gun pods or other light ordnance hung on four wing pylons
Engines:Two 210-hp Continental 10-360s
Maximum speed:199 mph
Cruising speed:144 mph
Range:1,060 miles
Ceiling:19,300 ft.
Span:38 ft.
Length:29 ft. 2 in.
Height:9 ft. 5 in.
Weight:4,900 lbs. loaded

ITEM NUMBER48292SCALE1:48DATE09.03.2021TIME PERIODAfter 1950MARKINGSCessna 0-2 A Skymaster, U.S. Air Force s/n 68-11067, Forward Air Control, Laos, 1970Cessna -2 Skymaster, U.S. Air Force s/n 68-10999, Fit Lt David Robson (RAAF), 19th TAAS USAF, Vung Tau, Vietnam, 1969Cessna 0-2 A Skymaster, U.S. Air Force s/n 68-11013MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)185 242 mmBOX SIZE294 x 230 x 58 mmNUMBER OF DETAILS196