Cessna 305A

1 aircraft

The Cessna O-1 Bird Dog was the United States military's primary observation and liaison aircraft throughout the Cold War era, serving with distinction from the Korean conflict through Vietnam. First flown on December 14, 1949, it was a high-wing, single-engine monoplane seating two crew members and powered by a 213-horsepower Continental O-470 engine. With a wingspan of 36 feet and capable of operating from short, unimproved airstrips, the Bird Dog proved exceptionally versatile in forward air control and artillery spotting roles. Cessna Aircraft Company manufactured 3,431 examples between 1950 and 1962.