O-2 Skymaster | Behind the Wings

[@macarthurguneratne373]

Never get tired of watching the 337, used to fly it in the Air Force. Have nearly 900 hours on it

[@jamescraft7509]

I was an O2 crew chief from 1978-1980 at Bergstrom AFB, Tx. 602nd Tactical Air Control Wing 4502nd CAMS. It was my first assignment and duty station. From that I went to F-111's talk about culture shock. Loved the Oscar Deuce.

[@roguedalek900]

4507th CAMS at Shaw AFB 85-89

[@jcheck6]

I probably shot 500 rockets but don't recall the dent on the leading edge of the wing. I may have even flown the one in the vid. They were based at DM in the early '80's but switched to the OA-37 due to the poor single engine performance in the summer heat. We flew them like fighters; 4-ship to the range and overhead patterns. Nice panel!

[@williamedmonds9581]

Do you know if you ever flew 21354? I’m in the process of restoring her. When I take her back into the skies it’ll be the first time she’s flown since 1978 when the Air Force delivered her to the boneyards. I’m looking for any pilots that flew her, crew chiefs that maintained her or any pictures of her. I would love to one day take her former pilots for a peaceful flight with her again.

[@jcheck6]

@@williamedmonds9581 Bill, if yours has not flown since '78 I did not fly it as I flew them in '81 then converted to the OA-37 at the end of '81. I'll check my AF files to confirm though.

[@TommyNewnes]

I grew up in Centennial and Englewood. I remember as a kid in the 90s, these things were flying over all the time, but you really don't see them anymore. Not sure if the ones overhead were military, or the civilian version. My dad was USAF in Vietnam and he'd always point them out when they flew overhead, and I remembered you could hear one coming and tell it was a Skymaster because the rear exhaust got chopped up by the rear prop and had a unique sound to it.

[@paullee2177]

Great airplane, I worked on O-2s at Nakhom Phanom RTAFB and Ubon RTAFB in 1969. Very few maintenance issues, very reliable.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

I worked on them at Phan Rang, and Danang RVN. Did you know that the "B" model O2 came out earlier than the "A"? We didn't have time for normal procurement procedures to kick around, so Skymasters were purchaced off the showroom floor, equipped with radios, and sent to war with civilian colors, lol,

[@paullee2177]

@@Dave-ty2qp Yes I did know about the B being first. Because of AF demand Cessna also bought back some of the Skymasters they had sold to be modified to AF specs. Before going over I went through O-1/O-2 Fam school at Hurlbert and Holly Fields in Jan. 1969. By the time I got to NKP in Feb all the O-1s were gone. So we just had O-2s. A couple weeks later I ended up going on a 4 month TDY to the 23rd TASS OL-1 at Ubon where we had 12 O-2s. Stayed until the OV-10s came in June 69 then back to NKP.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@paullee2177 Thanks for the reply Paul. The O2B is a trivia thing few of us know or remember. When we sent the F-100"s back stateside at Phan Rang we worked on O-2's Ov-10's, and O-1's . Not to mention the C-123's 119's and transit anything until we were reassigned. Later I was assigned to the 2oth TASS at Danang. FAC was like no other assignment I ever had. Very close group.

[@williamedmonds9581]

Did you ever work on 21354? I’m in the process of restoring her back to flying condition and looking for photos.

[@paullee2177]

@@williamedmonds9581 Doesn't ring any bells.

[@VictoryAviation]

I’ve seen a lot of L5’s. I’ve never seen one with canted windows like that. Learn something new every day.

[@catjudo1]

I used to serve in observations on the O-2. At least that's what my imagination told me. In real life I sat in the left seat, second row, watching the world pass by underneath the shade of the wing above me while my grandfather (the pilot) and my father (navigator apparent but really there for conversation) talked and laughed up front. What a great way for a boy to grow up.

[@RenegadeADV]

The guy who taught me how to fly flew the L6's in WWII in the Pacific. He was one hell of an aviator!

[@fetengineer9151]

My father said he saw several "BLACK 0-2s when he was stationed at NKP. He flew 100+ combat missions over the Republic of Vietnam as a DF operator and AMS on the EC-47Q.

[@jamescraft7509]

Was a O-2 crew chief at Bergstrom A.F.B, Tx from 1978 to 1979 for the 602nd Tactical Air Control Wing before it was moved to DM. Very cool assignment, not a lot of recips in the inventory back then. I just retired from military in May 2019, probably making me the only O-2 crew chief to be in the military that long, maybe.

[@jcheck6]

James, wow, how many years active duty? I was flying RF-4C's while you were at Bergstrom. Later at DM flying O-2's switching to OA-37's. Was the 602's Wing/CC's IP. Many thanks for your service!

[@jamescraft7509]

@@jcheck6 Sir, was active from 1978 to 1988. Joined the Texas Air National Guard in 1990 as a dual status technician. I 2016 my position was converted from Title 32 to Title 5 which separated my military and civilian positions. In 2019 I retired from the military w/ 39 years and still hold my civilian position as the Pro Super for the 149th Fighter Wing, now having a total of 43 years combined service. Beats working for a living. Feel like a member of congress only more productive:)

[@jcheck6]

@@jamescraft7509 "Feel like a member of congress only more productive." LOL, I had to chuckle at that one Jim. Enjoy your retirement.

[@jamescraft7509]

@@jcheck6 Thank you sir, you as well.

[@erickohlhorst747]

My dad apparently flew observer missions with 21st TASS out of Pleku and Cam Rahn Bay circa 1969. He wore about 60 lbs of flight gear he said to get you to the ground quicker. He also said you could tell the difference between the pilots in country the longest as they would fly the highest....multiple sorties he said they pulled tree branches from the wing spars and hardpoints on the wings after a mission flying with a new guy.

[@W1ldTangent]

I'm sure there were a few O-2 pilots with non-sanctioned 8-track mods in their birds :P

[@Agentjamaica]

Great show. I learned so much that I didn’t know about warbirds

[@donny526]

This is good stuff right here

[@yankeeairpirate1799]

I was Nail13 out of NKP and Ubon flying the Ho Chi Ming Trail in Laos and N Vietnam ( MU Gia Pass ). Our mission was to be the on-scene air commander of all fighters being put in on targets ( as a 23 year old 2nd Lt ). Priority #1 SAR if needed, #2 active(shooting anti AA guns..usually 37mm, 57mm and 85mm radar guided...Russian weapons). #3 N Vietnam trucks ( loved killing trucks..next to killing guns). Most Fun mission..killing 11 trucks with troops, 2nd most fun...stopping site of 3 x 85mm active shooters with 1 flight of F-100’s from the NY ANG...loved those guys. Story over ( hard to shut me up sometimes).

[@RolandLowhorn]

I can relate to something in the sky sometimes being active in firedirectional control , served gun two Fox 2/11 marines 68-70

[@erikkunkle9574]

If I was still in CO, I'd volunteer. I envy your job.

[@herbshanafelt9878]

" BOY. HOWDEY " We ALL WOULD. SIGN ON. QUALITY. A\ C. RESTERATION ....FOREVER. !!

[@williamedmonds9581]

I also own an O-2A. She is currently undergoing restoration. Hoping to have her ready for the 2022 airshow season and I’ve got a gun sight.

[@markackrich8934]

William im trying to purchase an 02, may I speak with you? Mark Ackrich 8083574799

[@YABOAFISHING]

Bat 21!

[@gafoot5368]

I seem to recall this model of aircraft having a starring role in the film Bat*21 with Danny Glover! Such a beautiful aircraft...then again, I'm biased, I think all airplanes are beautiful.

[@rlh7210]

Actually the O-2 had four M60 guns . Two on each side. and four pylons weapons stations. Two on each side. I worked on them in Korea and Alaska. Great FAC aircraft.

[@seirbhiseach]

I was under the impression that they used 132's in pods, rather than M60s

[@jameslanning8405]

Were any of you former Vietnam pilots in the "Ravens?" I'm assuming the Ravens was the name of a FAC squadron... And it seemed they flew Laos and Cambodia missions...

[@tplyons5459]

I was a base photographer at Hamilton AFB north of San Fransisco. Hamilton was a major staging point for AC going to the Pacific area since the second world war. One day the boss said to grab my gear and meet so and so on the flight line for photos When I got there there was a line of them ready to go. I saved one photo of O-2 #USAF 21371 Behind it was a C=124 #CAC-0-10074 which I'm told was going with them but not why. In 1970 or 71 a company Called Conroy Aviation at Santa Barbara CA airport took an O-2 pulled both engines from it and put a Royles Royce DART turbo prop engine in the nose and the rear was extended or CG reasons. My parachute club got to make some jumps out the back at the airport.

[@nealdenison]

Did they shut down the rear engine to miss the blades. It was advisable to use the map case to collect spent shells when shooting out the door window so the prop wouldn't get nicked.

[@texasl-19birddogjimmiles34]

Great video but the O-2 should not have a glass cockpit. My opinion only.

[@EricIrl]

I noticed that too. It's obviously been upgraded since its days in the military.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

Years ago I worked for one of the few manufacturers of mechanical instruments. The cost of making., and maintaining them is pretty much getting cost prohibitive, compared to glass cockpits, which are more reliable, lighter and more accurate. The weight saving on the wire harness in the aircraft is very significant also. If the aircraft was static display only, original would be better, but for an airworthy plane use the best..

[@herbshanafelt9878]

On. the. " Glass Cockpits ...this Fellow is. Generally. " OLD. SCHOOL " . INASMUCH as the NEW & MAGNIFICIENT. GLASS COCKPITS ..are less. Expensive and viewed by some as. $$ Cost Effective $$ seemingly, like anything that is. " GLASS " ( generically ) is. Easily & often. currently. BROKEN . The. New. GL A S S Cockpits can be a REAL " B**CH to r ' n. R. and. Prohibitive in. Function & Use for Formats . Also...Form. MANY. " OLD. SCHOOL " or. SENIOR. AVIATORS -- the. GLASS COCKPITS OFTEN PROVE TO BE LITTLE. MORE THAN TECHNUISENCES !! The Many antitechi Flyers Do. affirm both the Reliability , ease of Usage, and CLEAR. VISUAL. PROPERTIES of. Standard Electrical & Vacumn Gages ...End of. Testimony !! We. Remain to UTILIZE. The STANDARD. A\C GAUGES !!

[@calvinnickel9995]

Herb Shanafelt What nonsense. There’s a reason why aviation has switched to almost all glass. I’ll race against anyone trying to change a whole six pack of instruments vs one PFD screen. I’ll make a wager against which one fails first. Heard it so many times. A hammer is better than an air nailer. A typewriter is better than a computer. Vinyl is better than CD. No.... not by a long shot.

[@MrDgwphotos]

@@calvinnickel9995 And I suspect that certain modern instruments are required to satisfy flight worthiness requirements.

[@wilfdarr]

What does 500 off the dash do to the C of G? I flew stripped 206 for skydive, and removing the interior put the C of G out the front if the pilot slid their seat too far forward.

[@nugentcj77]

Not the coolest story, but I got in trouble with the law back in the mid 90's and did my community service at the Greeley airport. I remember at least four of these parked behind one of the hangars there, in pretty decrepit condition. I used to ogle them all the time while maintaining the grounds onsite. I was super thrilled to learn of the museum acquiring and restoring one. Great video.

[@TheDeJureTour]

They were also used in directing air tankers to fight wildfires.

[@mrtyrone5580]

Dont they use ov10s for that too?

[@woodygordon5071]

She looks good in all glass

[@traveler582k5]

She was not purpose built for the FAC role, it was originally a civilian plane that was procured for the FAC role by the powers that be

[@MrDgwphotos]

Yeah, and one of the downsides of her design is that if they were banking while orbiting, the pilot would be on the ground side, while the observer was looking at the sky. The O-1 Bird Dog was better in that regard, because the Bird Dog was similar to the older L Birds (and was originally known as the L-19 before the designation system was changed) like the L-6 shown later in the video, with the pilot and observer on the center line of the aircraft.

[@MrDgwphotos]

The successor OV-10 Bronco also has centerline crew stations, as she was designed as a military FAC aircraft.

[@williamedmonds9581]

O-2A’s were purpose built for the Air Force. They have hard points in the wings to carry munitions, aux tanks and foam filled fuel tanks to prevent fires if hit. That’s why the O-2A’s serial number starts with a M for military. The O-2B’s were civilian 337 converted but they didn’t have hard points. The only had loud speakers and leaflet descenders for psy ops.

[@robertweisskopf]

do you have your own pilots license?

[@jeremyleclair3617]

Were these guys flown solo?

[@jcheck6]

Yes.

[@treerat7631]

When my local ANG unit unboxed them they still had built holes from Vitenam🤓🇺🇸

[@roguedalek900]

110th TASGP?

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

BAT-21 to Birddog!

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

I love push pull configuration planes

[@davidhollenshead4892]

They have the maneuverability of a single engine...

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

@@davidhollenshead4892 and apparently better aerodynamics too which is why the do 335 had this configuration, supposedly, the Nazis couldn't get better engines and couldn't keep up with allied dual engine planes .

[@jcheck6]

"Push pull?" You mean suck and blow don't you?

[@rocketlife9549]

Why is it marked experimental ?

[@midtiertom]

FAA regulations. Most military aircraft that have been registered by civilians are registered as experimental.

[@williamedmonds9581]

Also because it’s easier to keep the plane as close to military as possible. You don’t have to conform to all the AD’s if you have it registered as experimental. I’m going to register mine as experimental as well. I left my instrument panel as close to original as possible. Minus modern radios, gps and ADS-B.

[@avoidingtrees560]

Any plans in the USA to re engine this beast with turbine engines? Cheers from the French alps America

[@909Thumper909]

it has been done, check Controller plane sales website. there is a BEAST on there right now

[@RADIOACTIVEBUNY]

Don't have a sight but I have a grease pencil. Read from some pilots who said they preferred it.

[@nilsjohansson9739]

Bird dog, I'm on the 18th fairway just west of the water trap.

[@MrNx74205d]

With that L-6, there is one thing you left out. As barren as it is, did that have a radio? I can't see pigeons used to update artillery positions.

[@gasmover]

The L-6 has its radios in the port wing above the pilot. Actually made it easier and roomier as the radios back then were too large to fit in the instrument panel.

[@thercpoop]

I'd love to see the finished product. Too bad everyone wants to see the fighters and not these little buggers

[@Wings_Museum]

Thanks for the comment! The O-2 is now nearly finished, complete with rocket pods! Come and visit to see the finished product at our museum or check out this video for a sneak preview - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqbOooh8pcaep9U. Thanks for watching Behind the Wings.

[@mh53j]

Kinda the way the Air Force is. The brass hats want their fancy fighter jets, but ignore the less glamorous aircraft that are sometimes more important--tankers, rescue helicopters, tactical transports. Probably always be that way.

[@robertpayton3795]

I know someone who has many 02 parts located in Apache junction Arizona

[@williamedmonds9581]

robert payton, I own an O-2 and looking for parts. Can you get me in touch with the guy in AZ?

[@charlottederichsweiler7680]

do a A6 vido plesse

[@Wings_Museum]

Hi Charlotte - We'll be releasing a "member's choice" voting link today! If you are a member of Wings Over the Rockies you can vote. One of the options will be the A7 Corsair and another will be the EA-6B Prowler. Stay tuned.

[@herbshanafelt9878]

SEEMS THE. " GLOBAL VIEW & UPCOMMING. OUTLOOK " Should Carry. The. International. Aircraft Community, their. AIRCRAFT , Recognition of their. Tradesmen & A\ C Specialists .

[@Hipgluthabidydabidy]

Nice to see you wearing the m65 field jacket, this channel is criminally unsubscribed

[@theunknownroad3118]

Hipgluthabidydabidy are you saying you are unsubscribing because of his field jacket? What the heck man.

[@a-hvlogs2046]

@@theunknownroad3118 he is saying he is underrated

[@royarianto4617]

Already buy it in 1/32 scale ...cant wait to build it yihaaaa 😅🤣

[@dreamdiction]

The guy with the long white hair is really annoying. An old man behaving like an attention-seeking teenager.

[@calvinnickel9995]

You’re annoying.