When the North American O-47A appeared in 1935, the U.S. Army Air Corps operated observation squadrons dedicated solely to reconnaissance missions. The O-47A was designed specifically for this role.

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. 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.

The O-47A was the most advanced observation airplane ever delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps, but on the eve of the United States' entry into the Second World War in 1941, its place was eclipsed by newer and more versatile fighter and bomber aircraft that could also perform the observation role, and were less vulnerable in combat. Thus, the career of the O-47 was short. A few saw limited service in World War II on anti-submarine patrol duty off the U.S. coast, and preformed other mundane tasks. By 1943, most had been sent to military ground schools for training in modern metal construction and engine and airframe maintenance.
Variants
XO-47 one built, serial number 36-145 in Dundalk, Maryland, 850 hp (634 kW) Wright R-1820-41 engine.
O-47A 164 built in Inglewood California, Wright R-1820-49 engine.
O-47B 74 built, minor improvements and a 1,060 hp (790 kW) Wright R-1820-57 engine installed, plus an extra 50 gallon fuel tank.











































Specifications (O-47A)
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 ft2 (32.5 m2)
Empty weight: 5,980 lb (2,712.5 kg)
Loaded 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)
Cruise speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)
Range: 840 miles (1,352 km)
Service ceiling: 23,200 ft (7,071 m)
Rate of climb: 1,470.8 ft/min (448.3 m/min)
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