L-19/O-1 Bird Dog

The Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog is an all-metal, tandem seat aircraft with downward sloping sides to increase visibility. In 1950, the company began building 2,400 L-19s for the US Army, USAF, Navy, and National Guard. They operated as artillery spotters and forward air control aircraft during the Korean War. 

The almost 360-degree visibility of the Bird Dog made it a great observation, control, and reconnaissance aircraft. It flew in the midst of the battle to identify friendly from enemy forces to direct air strikes or artillery, to help with search and rescue, and to make bomb damage assessments. It was highly valued by the ground units it supported and highly feared by enemy units it flew over. During the Vietnam War, 469 O-1 Bird Dogs were lost to all causes. The aircraft was retired from U.S. service in 1974.