Re-designated the O-1 in 1962, Cessna had delivered 3,431 examples by the time production ceased in that same year – the bulk of these had been built as O-1s (L-19As), with later variants introducing updated equipment and the ability to carry wing stores like target marking rockets.

The exploits of the O-1E over the Vietnamese jungle are legendary, USAF and South Vietnamese pilots, pin-pointing enemy troop locations through communication with ‘friendlies’ on the ground prior to calling in air strikes to hit targets marked with smoke rockets. Although long since retired from USAF service, a modest number of O-1’s continue to thrive with a handful of air arms across the globe, whilst surplus Bird Dogs have recently enjoyed a renaissance across North America and Australia.

This aircraft has been placed at Temora Aviation Museum on loan by its owners Gordon Glynn (deceased) and Gaile Glynn and is regularly flown at the Museum’s Aircraft Showcase Days.