North American O-47

Last updated
O-47
North American O-47B USAF.jpg
General information
TypeObservation
Manufacturer North American Aviation
Primary user United States Army Air Corps
Number built239 [1]
History
Introduction date1937
First flightNovember 1935

The North American O-47 is an American observation fixed-wing aircraft monoplane designed in the mid-1930s and used by the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War. It has a low-wing configuration, retractable landing gear, and a three-blade propeller.

Contents

Design and development

A "red force" O-47B during maneuvers in 1941. North American O-47B 1941.jpg
A "red force" O-47B during maneuvers in 1941.

The O-47 was developed as a replacement for the Thomas-Morse O-19 and Douglas O-38 observation biplanes. It was larger and heavier than most preceding observation aircraft and its crew of three sat in tandem under the long canopy. Windows in the deep belly overcame the obstacle that the wings presented to downward observation and photography. The design for the XO-47 prototype originated in 1934 with General Aviation Manufacturing, a subsidiary of North American Aviation, as the GA-15. [2] The Air Corps ordered 174 O-47s in 1937 to 1938, 93 of which were assigned to National Guard units. In 1938, the Army ordered 74 O-47Bs with a redesigned engine cowling for better cooling, an uprated engine, and improved radio equipment.[ citation needed ]

Operational history

Training maneuvers in 1941 demonstrated the shortcomings of the O-47. Single-engined light airplanes like the Piper L-4 and Stinson L-5 proved more capable of operating with ground troops, while fighters and twin engine bombers showed greater ability to perform recon and photo duties. Thus, O-47s during World War II, except for those caught at overseas bases by the Japanese attacks, were relegated to secondary duties such as towing targets, coastal patrol, and anti-submarine patrol. [3]

Variants

XO-47
one built, serial number 36-145 in Dundalk, Maryland, 850 hp (634 kW) Wright R-1820-41 engine [1]
O-47A
164 built in Inglewood California, 975 hp (727 kW) Wright R-1820-49 engine
O-47B
74 built, minor improvements and a 1,060 hp (790 kW) Wright R-1820-57 engine installed, [3] plus an extra 50 gallon fuel tank [1]

Operators

Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg  United States

Surviving aircraft

O-47B at Wright-Patterson National Museum of the USAF O-47B.jpg
O-47B at Wright-Patterson National Museum of the USAF

Specifications (O-47A)

3-view silhouette of the North American O-47 North American O-47 3-view silhouette.png
3-view silhouette of the North American O-47

Data from "United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" [3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin B-10</span> American bomber aircraft

The Martin B-10 was the first all-metal monoplane bomber to be regularly used by the United States Army Air Corps, having entered service in June 1934. It was also the first mass-produced bomber whose performance was superior to that of the Army's pursuit aircraft of the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas C-47 Skytrain</span> Military transport aircraft derived from DC-3

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport, cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years. It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payload Curtiss C-46 Commando, which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss A-12 Shrike</span> American attack aircraft

The Curtiss A-12 Shrike was the United States Army Air Corps' second monoplane ground-attack aircraft, and its main attack aircraft through most of the 1930s. It was based on the A-8, but had a radial engine instead of the A-8's inline, water-cooled engine, as well as other changes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stinson L-13</span>

The Stinson L-13 was a US military utility aircraft first flown in 1945.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bell 47</span> 1945 utility helicopter family by Bell

The Bell 47 is a single-rotor single-engine light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was based on the third Bell 30 prototype, which was the company's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young. The 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946. The first civilian delivery was made on 31 December 1946 to Helicopter Air Transport. More than 5,600 Bell 47s were produced, including those under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, and Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom. The Bell 47J Ranger is a modified version with a fully enclosed cabin and tail boom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grumman FF</span> US Navy biplane

The Grumman FF "Fifi" was an American biplane fighter aircraft operated by the United States Navy during the 1930s. It was the first carrier aircraft with retractable landing gear. It was produced under licence in Canada and known as the Goblin in Canadian service and Delfín in Spanish service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas O-38</span>

The Douglas O-38 was an observation airplane used by the United States Army Air Corps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss O-52 Owl</span> US Army WWII observation aircraft

The Curtiss O-52 Owl was an observation aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps before and during World War II. They were used for anti-submarine searches in Americas and by lend-lease also used on the Eastern Front in Europe by the Soviets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss F11C Goshawk</span>

The Curtiss F11C Goshawk is an American naval biplane fighter aircraft that saw limited success. It was part of a long line of Curtiss Hawk airplanes built by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company for the American military.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss XA-14</span> American attack aircraft prototype

The Curtiss XA-14 was a 1930s United States airplane, the first multi-engine attack aircraft tested by the United States Army Air Corps. Carrying a crew of two, it was as fast as the standard pursuit aircraft in service at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss A-18 Shrike</span> American attack aircraft

The Curtiss A-18Model 76A Shrike II was a 1930s United States twin-engine ground-attack aircraft. It was the production test version of that company's A-14 Shrike.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aeronca L-3</span> WWII liaison aircraft

The Aeronca L-3 group of observation and liaison aircraft were used by the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. The L-3 series were adapted from Aeronca's pre-war Tandem Trainer and Chief models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stinson L-1 Vigilant</span> WW2 American liaison aircraft

The Stinson L-1 Vigilant is an American liaison aircraft designed by the Stinson Aircraft Company of Wayne, Michigan and manufactured at the Vultee-Stinson factory in Nashville, Tennessee. The aircraft was operated by the United States Army Air Corps as the O-49 until 1942.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aeronca L-16</span> Type of aircraft

The Aeronca L-16 was a United States Army liaison aircraft built by Aeronca. It saw extensive service during the Korean War. It was essentially a militarized version of the Aeronca Champion. From 1955 large numbers were transferred to the Civil Air Patrol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consolidated PT-1 Trusty</span> Type of aircraft

The Consolidated PT-1 Trusty was a biplane primary trainer used by the United States Army Air Service (USAAS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss BF2C Goshawk</span> United States Naval Biplane

The Curtiss BF2C Goshawk was a United States 1930s naval biplane aircraft that saw limited success and was part of a long line of Hawk Series airplanes made by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company for the American military, and for export as the Model 68 Hawk III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consolidated O-17 Courier</span> Type of aircraft

The Consolidated O-17 Courier was an observation and training aircraft used by the United States National Guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairchild AT-21 Gunner</span> 1943 trainer aircraft family by Fairchild

The Fairchild AT-21 was an American World War II specialized bomber crew trainer, intended to train crews in the use of power gun turrets or a gun on a flexible mount, as well as learn to function as a member of a crew. It had a brief career as a training aircraft before modified bombers took over this role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consolidated P2Y</span> 1929 maritime patrol flying boat by Consolidated Aircraft

The Consolidated P2Y was an American flying boat maritime patrol aircraft. The plane was a parasol monoplane with a fabric-covered wing and aluminum hull. The aircraft was also made by Martin as the P3M, due to an open production contract.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seversky SEV-3</span> Type of aircraft

The Seversky SEV-3 was an American three-seat amphibian monoplane, the first aircraft designed and built by the Seversky Aircraft Corporation.

References

Notes
    Citations
    1. 1 2 3 "U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946" by James C. Fahey, 1946, 64pp.
    2. Eden and Moeng 2002, pp. 74–77.
    3. 1 2 3 Swanborough and Bowers 1964
    4. "North American O-47A". Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    5. 1 2 Goodall, Geoffrey (14 June 2018). "North American" (PDF). Geoff Goodall's Aviation History Site. Geoffrey Goodall. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    6. "North American O-47B (FAA Reg. No. N73716)". Combat Air Museum. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    7. "FAA REGISTRY [N73716]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on 30 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    8. "North American O-47B". National Museum of the US Air Force. 7 April 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    9. "Restoration Projects". Planes of Fame. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
    Bibliography