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AllFourOne — Combat Cockpit
Published: 2011-05-27 04:19:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 738; Favourites: 24; Downloads: 43
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Description
USAF O-2 Cessna Skymaster Cockpit/Cabin. Vietnam War era Forward Air Controller.Air Power Over Hampton Roads
Langley AFB, Virginia
May 2011
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Comments: 16
Actually the Cessna was the O-2A/B, depending on configuration, not OV-2.
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Bingo!!!!!!!! The ol' push-pull airborne FAC. Good job.
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It was the shape of that side framework that gave it away. Anyway great cockpit detail shot
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It's a Cessna Skymaster that was modified for Forward Air Controller use in Vietnam. It's designation was OV-2. The pilot would fly in support of ground troops needing air support. He'd identify the location of the enemy forces, mark the spot with smoke rockets, etc., and call in the jet fighters to strafe and bomb the designated locations. This was to keep friendly fire from occurring. Sometimes, in a bad situation, the lightly armed OV-2 would fire rockets and machine gun fire at the enemy if they were too close and the jets weren't ready or available yet. It was a VERY risky job.
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If you've ever seen the movie "BAT-21" with Gene Hackney, you would get a very good idea of what a FAC did in Vietnam. Check it out...it'll leave you on the edge of your seat for most of the show.
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Nice! I will definitely have to check it out.
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