<article><hdr>Aerial shot of an O-2 Skymaster</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The Cessna 337 was obtained by the Air Force as the O-2 to be a successor to the O-1 Bird Dog performing forward air control (FAC) duties in Vietnam. The O-2 differed from the commercial Cessna 337 with the fitment of external communications equipment, and the provision of underwing hardpoints for flares, rocket pods and a minigun. Additional windows were provided in the lower fuselage to enable the crew better vision of the ground. The O-2A was purely for the FAC role, while the O-2B was fitted with a leaflet dispenser and special broadcasting equipment for psychological warfare operations. Several hundred O-2s were produced, with survivors from Vietnam operations being transferred to other air arms, including that of the Republic of Vietnam, or being shipped home for service with the Air National Guard. These were since retired from service, with some finding a second lease of life with Government departments or being sold to civilian owners.</hi>
