>> Flightline | Cessna L-19, F-AYVA
The L-19 Bird Dog, also known as the O-1, is a liaison and observation aircraft designed by Cessna for the US Army in 1949.
Featuring a high wing, a 213 hp Continental engine and excellent visibility, it excels in intelligence missions, artillery spotting and light evacuation.
Its STOL performance allows it to operate on short and unprepared runways.
It was widely used during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Rolled off the production line in March 1957, this Bird Dog was deployed in Algeria that same year with the PMAH of the 14th Infantry Division.
Damaged during operations in December 1958, it was rebuilt in 1964 and then assigned to GALAT 6 in Nancy until 1972.
It continued its career in the French army until 1986, notably passing through Dax and the 3rd GHL in Rennes.
From 1987 to 2014, it was used as a glider tow plane in Chérence (78).
Since 2014, it has been based in Chavenay (LFPX) and belongs to private collectors.
CARACTERISTIQUES TECHNIQUES
Équipage : 2 (pilote et observateur)
Longueur : 7,37 m
Envergure : 10,97 m
Hauteur : 2,26 m
Masse à vide : environ 700 kg
Masse maximale au décollage : 1 134 kg
Moteur : Continental O-470-11, 6 cylindres à plat, 213 ch (159 kW)
Vitesse de croisière : environ 175 km/h
Autonomie : 660 km
Plafond opérationnel : 4 600 m
Distance de décollage : environ 110 m (STOL)
Armement : généralement non armé, mais possibilité de porter des roquettes ou mitrailleuses pour certaines versions
Pilot: Philippe Jegousse Manufacturing date: 27/03/1957 Serial number: 24522