The Cessna O-2 Skymaster (nicknamed “Oscar Deuce”) is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster, used for forward air control(FAC) and psychological operations (PSYOPS) by the US military between 1967 and 2010. The USAF took delivery of the O-2 Skymaster in March 1967 and the O-2A also entered the U.S. Army’s inventory during 1967, from USAF stock. By 1970, a total of 532 O-2s had been built, in two variants, for the USAF.
During the Vietnam War, the O-2A was introduced as a replacement for the O-1 Bird Dog, in the forward air control (FAC) aircraft and served in that role with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. The O-2B was equipped with loudspeakers and a leaflet dispenser for use in the psychological operations(PSYOPS) role. While it was intended that the Skymaster be replaced in the FAC mission by the OV-10 Bronco, the O-2A continued to be used for night missions after the OV-10’s introduction, due to the OV-10’s high level of cockpit illumination, rendering night reconnaissance impractical. The O-2 was phased out completely after additional night upgrades to the OV-10. A total of 178 USAF O-2 Skymasters were lost in the Vietnam War, to all causes. Following the Vietnam War, the O-2 continued to operate with both U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units into the late 1980s.
You can now own this truly historical and important aircraft complete with its scale finish! Model is complete with functional nose oleo strut, painted pilot, LED Wing Tip Lights, cockpit detail, generous decal sheet and more! As with all Seagull models, it is finished in Oracover, as this gives it a real scale detail finish. Complete with Seagull’s renowned quality accessory pack, which includes, fuel tank, wheels, nose oleo strut, scale decals and fittings – WOW!
KEY FEATURES
- Accurate Scale Outline and Appearance, Including Tail Surfaces
- Accurate USAF VIETNAM ERA O-2A SKYMASTER COLOR SCHEME
- “DON’T SHOOT” DECAL SHEET INCLUDED (Not Applied, Allowing Modeler to customize aircraft)
- Quality balsa and aircraft plywood construction for a strong and light airframe
- Functional scale oleo nose landing gear and aluminum main landing gear provides better handling and scale realism
- Functional flaps allow for greater flight envelope and improved flight characteristics
- Scale pilot and cockpit details increase scale fidelity
- Included LED Lighting adds to the already great appearance and scale looks
- Painted fiberglass engine cowlings are included
- Covered and trimmed in genuine oracover (decals included on supplied decal sheet)
- Generous quality hardware package included
Wingspan: 76.8 in (195 cm)
Wing area: 806 sq.in (52 sq.dm)
Approximate flying weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Length: 57.1 in (145 cm)
Recommended engine size: .36-.46 2-Stroke / .52-.70 4-Stroke/Electric Equivalent
Radio: 6 channels with 9 servos
Flying Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced