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 World War II. It has a low-wing configuration, retractable landing gear, and a three-blade propeller.
Design and development
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, 850hp (634kW) 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 1,060hp (790kW) Wright R-1820-57 engine installed,[3] plus an extra 50 gallon fuel tank[1]
↑"North American O-47A". Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
12Goodall, Geoffrey (14 June 2018). "North American"(PDF). Geoff Goodall's Aviation History Site. Geoffrey Goodall. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
↑"FAA REGISTRY [N73716]". Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on 30 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
↑"North American O-47B". National Museum of the US Air Force. 7 April 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
