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{{Infobox aircraft
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
⚫
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
|name = O-47
|name = O-47
|image = File:North American O-47B USAF.jpg
|image = File:North American O-47B USAF.jpg
|caption = An O-47B at [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]
|caption = An O-47B at [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = Observation
|type = Observation
|manufacturer = [[North American Aviation]]
|manufacturer = [[North American Aviation]]
|designer =
|designer =
|first flight = November 1935
|first_flight = November 1935
|introduced = 1937
|introduction = 1937
|retired =
|retired =
|status =
|status =
|primary user = [[United States Army Air Corps]]
|primary_user = [[United States Army Air Corps]]
|more users =
|more_users =
|produced =
|produced =
|number built = 239<ref name="fahey">"U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946" by [[James C. Fahey]], 1946, 64pp.</ref>
|number_built = 239<ref name="fahey">"U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946" by [[James C. Fahey]], 1946, 64pp.</ref>
|unit cost =
|variants =
|variants with their own articles =
}}
}}
|}


The '''North American O-47''' is an American observation [[fixed-wing aircraft]] monoplane used by the [[United States Army Air Corps]]. It had a low-wing configuration, retractable landing gear, and a three-blade propeller.
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.


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
[[File:North American O-47B 1941.jpg|thumb|A "red force" O-47B during maneuvers in 1941.]]
[[File:North American O-47B 1941.jpg|thumb|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, a subsidiary of North American Aviation, as the GA-15.<ref>Eden and Moeng 2002, pp. 74–77.</ref> The Air Corps ordered 174 O-47s in 1937 to 1938, 93 of which were assigned to [[United States National Guard|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|reason=need support for order information|date=January 2014}}
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 [[Atlantic Aircraft|General Aviation Manufacturing]], a subsidiary of North American Aviation, as the GA-15.<ref>Eden and Moeng 2002, pp. 74–77.</ref> The Air Corps ordered 174 O-47s in 1937 to 1938, 93 of which were assigned to [[United States National Guard|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|reason=need support for order information|date=January 2014}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
Training maneuvers in 1941 demonstrated the shortcomings of the O-47. Light airplanes proved more capable of operating with ground troops, while [[fighter aircraft|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 weapon|anti-submarine]] patrol.<ref name="Ohnine"/>
Training maneuvers in 1941 demonstrated the shortcomings of the O-47. Single-engined light airplanes like the [[Piper J-3 Cub|Piper L-4]] and [[Stinson L-5]] proved more capable of operating with ground troops, while [[fighter aircraft|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 weapon|anti-submarine]] patrol.<ref name="Ohnine"/>


==Variants==
==Variants==
;XO-47: one built, serial number 36-145 in Dundalk, Maryland, 850&nbsp;hp (634&nbsp;kW) [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-41]] engine<ref name="fahey"/>
;XO-47: one built, serial number 36-145 in Dundalk, Maryland, 850&nbsp;hp (634&nbsp;kW) [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-41]] engine<ref name="fahey"/>
;O-47A: 164 built in Inglewood California, [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-49]] engine
;O-47A: 164 built in Inglewood California, 975 hp (727 kW) [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-49]] engine
;O-47B: 74 built, minor improvements and a 1,060&nbsp;hp (790&nbsp;kW) [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-57]] engine installed,<ref name="Ohnine">Swanborough and Bowers 1964</ref> plus an extra 50 gallon fuel tank<ref name="fahey"/>
;O-47B: 74 built, minor improvements and a 1,060&nbsp;hp (790&nbsp;kW) [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-57]] engine installed,<ref name="Ohnine">Swanborough and Bowers 1964</ref> plus an extra 50 gallon fuel tank<ref name="fahey"/>


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* [[United States Army Air Corps]]
* [[United States Army Air Corps]]


==Surviving Aircraft==
==Surviving aircraft==
[[File:O-47B.jpg|thumb|O-47B at Wright-Patterson National Museum of the USAF]]
[[File:O-47B.jpg|thumb|O-47B at Wright-Patterson National Museum of the USAF]]
* 37-279 – O-47A in storage at the [[Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility]] of the [[National Air and Space Museum]] in [[Suitland, Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47A |url=http://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/north-american-o-47a |website=Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062106/https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/north-american-o-47a |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Goodall">{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Geoffrey |title=North American |url=http://www.goodall.com.au/warbirds-directory-v6/north-american.pdf |website=Geoff Goodall's Aviation History Site |publisher=Geoffrey Goodall |access-date=30 July 2018 |date=14 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
* 39-112 – O-47B on static display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]]. It is displayed in the markings of an O-47A belonging to the 112th Observation Squadron of the [[Ohio National Guard]]. It was acquired in 1978 from Loren L. Florey Jr., of [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]] and was restored by the 179th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, [[Ohio Air National Guard]], [[Mansfield, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47B |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198091/north-american-o-47b |website=National Museum of the US Air Force |accessdate=30 July 2018 |date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* 37-279 – O-47A in storage at the [[Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility]] of the [[National Air and Space Museum]] in [[Suitland, Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47A |url=http://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/north-american-o-47a |website=National Air and Space Museum |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |accessdate=30 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="Goodall">{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Geoffrey |title=NORTH AMERICAN O-47 |url=http://www.goodall.com.au/warbirds-directory-v6/north-american.pdf |website=Geoff Goodall's Aviation History Site |publisher=Geoffrey Goodall |accessdate=30 July 2018 |date=14 June 2018}}</ref>
* 39-098 – O-47B owned by James P. Harker of [[Blaine, Minnesota]]. It was previously placed on loan to the [[Combat Air Museum]] in [[Topeka, Kansas]] by its owner William A. Dempsay, but was sold as of June 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47B (FAA Reg. No. N73716) |url=http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/namerican047b.html |website=Combat Air Museum |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812225234/http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/namerican047b.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FAA REGISTRY [N73716] |url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N73716 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234838/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N73716 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
* 39-112 – O-47B on static display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]]. It is displayed in the markings of an O-47A belonging to the 112th Observation Squadron of the [[Ohio National Guard]]. It was acquired in 1978 from Loren L. Florey Jr., of [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]] and was restored by the 179th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, [[Ohio Air National Guard]], [[Mansfield, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47B |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198091/north-american-o-47b |website=National Museum of the US Air Force |access-date=30 July 2018 |date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* Composite – O-47A under restoration at the [[Planes of Fame]] Air Museum in [[Chino, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Restoration Projects |url=http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=restoration-projects |website=Planes of Fame |accessdate=30 July 2018}}</ref> It is made up of serial numbers 38-284 and 38-295.<ref name="Goodall" />
* Composite – O-47A under restoration at the [[Planes of Fame]] Air Museum in [[Chino, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Restoration Projects |url=http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=restoration-projects |website=Planes of Fame |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> It is made up of serial numbers 38-284 and 38-295.<ref name="Goodall" />
* 39-098 – O-47B owned by James P. Harker of [[Blaine, Minnesota]]. It was previously placed on loan to the [[Combat Air Museum]] in [[Topeka, Kansas]] by its owner William A. Dempsay, but was sold as of June 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=North American O-47B (FAA Reg. No. N73716) |url=http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/namerican047b.html |website=Combat Air Museum |publisher=Combat Air Museum |accessdate=30 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FAA REGISTRY [N73716] |url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N73716 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |accessdate=30 July 2018}}</ref>


==Specifications (O-47A)==
==Specifications (O-47A)==
[[File:North American O-47 3-view silhouette.png|300px|right|3-view silhouette of the North American O-47]]
{{aircraft specifications

|plane or copter?=plane
⚫
{{Aircraft specs
|jet or prop?=prop
|prime units?=imp
|ref="United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" <ref name="Ohnine"/>
|ref="United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" <ref name="Ohnine"/>
|crew= three (pilot, copilot-observer, gunner)
|crew= three (pilot, copilot-observer, gunner)
|length ft= 33
|capacity=
|length in= 7
|payload main=
|length m= 10.24
|payload alt=
|length main= 33 ft 7 in
|span ft= 46
|length alt= 10.24 m
|span in= 4
|span main= 46 ft 4 in
|span m= 14.1
|span alt= 14.1 m
|height ft= 12
|height main= 12 ft 2 in
|height in= 2
|height alt= 3.7 m
|height m= 3.7
|area main= 350 ft<sup>2</sup>
|wing area sqft= 350
|area alt= 32.5 m<sup>2</sup>
|wing area sqm= 32.5
⚫
|empty weight lb= 5,980
|airfoil=
|empty weight main= 5,980 lb
|empty weight kg= 2,712.5
|empty weight alt= 2,712.5 kg
|gross weight lb= 7,636
|loaded weight main= 7,636 lb
|gross weight kg= 3,463.6
⚫
|eng1 name= [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-49]]
⚫
|loaded weight alt= 3,463.6 kg
⚫
|eng1 type= radial
|useful load main=
|useful load alt=
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 hp= 975
|max takeoff weight main=
|eng1 kw= 727
|max takeoff weight alt=
⚫
|max speed mph= 221
|more general=
⚫
|max speed kmh= 355.7
⚫
|engine (prop)= [[Wright R-1820|Wright R-1820-49]]
⚫
|cruise speed mph= 200
⚫
|type of prop= radial
⚫
|cruise speed kmh= 322
|number of props= 1
|power main= 975 hp
|range miles= 840
|power alt= 727 kW
|range km= 1,352
⚫
|ceiling ft= 23,200
|power original=
⚫
|ceiling m= 7,071
⚫
|max speed main= 221 mph
|max speed alt= 355.7 km/h
|climb rate ftmin= 1,470.8
⚫
|climb rate ms= 7.47
⚫
|cruise speed main= 200 mph
⚫
|power/mass= |armament=
⚫
|cruise speed alt= 322 km/h
⚫
* 1 × fixed forward-firing .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (200 rounds) in starboard wing
|stall speed main=
⚫
* 1 × flexible .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (600 rounds) in rear cockpit
⚫
|stall speed alt=
|never exceed speed main=
|never exceed speed alt=
|range main= 840 miles
|range alt= 1,352 km
⚫
|ceiling main= 23,200 ft
⚫
|ceiling alt= 7,071 m
|climb rate main= 1,470.8 ft/min
⚫
|climb rate alt= 448.3 m/min
|loading main=
|loading alt=
|thrust/weight=
⚫
|power/mass main=
|power/mass alt=
|more performance=
|armament=
⚫
* 1 &times; fixed forward-firing .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (200 rounds) in starboard wing
⚫
* 1 &times; flexible .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (600 rounds) in rear cockpit
|avionics=
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Military of the United States|United States Air Force|Aviation}}
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
{{aircontent
<!-- include as many lines are appropriate. additional lines/entries with carriage return. -->
<!-- include as many lines are appropriate. additional lines/entries with carriage return. -->
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* [[Henschel Hs 126]]
* [[Henschel Hs 126]]
* [[Kokusai Ki-76]]
* [[Kokusai Ki-76]]
* [[Repülőgépgyár_Levente_II|Levente II]] (ones used in army co-operation and liaison tasks)
* [[Meridionali Ro.63]]
* [[Meridionali Ro.63]]
* [[Thomas-Morse O-19]]
* [[Thomas-Morse O-19]]
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|North American O-47}}
{{Commons category|North American O-47}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120303082249/http://www.boeing.com/history/bna/o47.htm Boeing: ''O-47'' - Official site] (dead link)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120303082249/http://www.boeing.com/history/bna/o47.htm Boeing: ''O-47'' - Official site] {{Dead link|date=July 2022}}


{{North American Aviation aircraft}}
{{North American Aviation aircraft}}
{{USAAF observation aircraft}}
{{USAAF observation aircraft}}


[[Category:United States military utility aircraft 1940–1949|O-47, North American]]
[[Category:1940s United States military utility aircraft|O-47, North American]]
[[Category:North American Aviation aircraft|O-47]]
[[Category:North American Aviation aircraft|O-47]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1935]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1935]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 16:00, 9 December 2024

O-47
An O-47B at National Museum of the United States Air Force
General information
TypeObservation
ManufacturerNorth American Aviation
Primary userUnited 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.

Design and development

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]
 United States

Surviving aircraft

[edit]
O-47B at Wright-Patterson National Museum of the USAF

Specifications (O-47A)

[edit]
3-view silhouette of the North American O-47
3-view silhouette of the North American O-47

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

General characteristics

  • Crew: three (pilot, copilot-observer, gunner)
  • Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m)
  • Wingspan: 46 ft 4 in (14.1 m)
  • Height: 12 ft 2 in (3.7 m)
  • Wing area: 350 sq ft (32.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 5,980 lb (2,712.5 kg)
  • Gross weight: 7,636 lb (3,463.6 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-49 radial, 975 hp (727 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 221 mph (355.7 km/h, 192 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 200 mph (322 km/h, 170 kn)
  • Range: 840 mi (1,352 km, 730 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 23,200 ft (7,071 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,470.8 ft/min (7.47 m/s)

Armament

  • 1 × fixed forward-firing .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (200 rounds) in starboard wing
  • 1 × flexible .30-cal (7.62 mm) machine gun (600 rounds) in rear cockpit

See also

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

[edit]
Notes
Citations
  1. ^ a b c "U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946" by James C. Fahey, 1946, 64pp.
  2. ^ Eden and Moeng 2002, pp. 74–77.
  3. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b 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
  • Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.
  • Fahey, James C. U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946. New York: Ships and Aircraft, 1946.
  • Swanborough, F.G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft Since 1909. New York: Putnam New York, 1964. ISBN 0-85177-816-X.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to North American O-47.
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