O-2A (late production)
As with the civilian version, the Skymaster was an inexpensive twin-engine piston aircraft with one engine in the nose of the aircraft and the other in the rear of the fuselage. The push-pull configuration meant a simpler single-engine operation due to axial thrust compared to the conventional low-wing mounting of most twin-engine light aircraft, and allowed for a high wing, providing clear observation below and behind the aircraft. During the Vietnam War, the Skymaster was slated to be replaced in the forward air control (FAC) mission by the OV-10 Bronco, but the O-2A retained the night mission role after the advent of the OV-10 due to the OV-10's high level of cockpit illumination, making night reconnaissance impractical The O-2 was completely retired after additional night upgrades to the OV-10. The first O-2 flew in January 1967, and the aircraft went into production soon after, with the US Air Force taking delivery in March 1967. By 1970, 532 O-2s were built for the US Air Force in two variants. The O-2A served as the FAC aircraft of the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, while the O-2B was equipped with loudspeakers and a leaflet dispenser for use in the Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) role. Several USAF O-2s were later transferred to and operated by the former VNAF of the South Vietnamese Air Force. After the Vietnam War, the O-2 continued in service with both the US Air Force and Air National Guard units until the late 1980s.
