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.
4-550: 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 ,
8-544: A subsidiary of North American Aviation, as the GA-15. 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. Training maneuvers in 1941 demonstrated the shortcomings of the O-47. Single-engined light airplanes like
12-750: 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. Data from "United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" General characteristics Performance Armament Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Thomas-Morse O-19 The Thomas-Morse O-19
16-552: Was an American observation biplane built by the Thomas-Morse Aircraft Company for the United States Army Air Corps . The O-19 was based on the earlier Thomas-Morse O-6 biplane. It was a conventional two-seat biplane of metal construction with fabric-covered wings and tail surfaces. The design was evaluated with a number of different engine installations and the type was ordered into production as
#109890