The OV-10 Bronco was a unique aircraft in many ways. Developed as a tri service project the Bronco’s missions included observation, forward air control, helicopter escort, armed reconnaissance, gunfire spotting, utility and limited ground attack. The USAF acquired the Bronco primarily as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. Adding to its versatility is a rear fuselage compartment with a capacity of 3,200 pounds of cargo, five combat-equipped troops or two litter patients and a medical attendant.
First flown in 1967 the Bronco saw service in Vietnam through Desert Storm where the USMC was still flying it. In addition to US service the OV-10 served with the military services of West Germany (OV-10B), and is still flying in Thailand (OV-10C), Venezuela (OV-10E) and Indonesia (OV-10F), Columbia and the Philippines (Ex USAF). The Bronco can still be seen flying today in the US in the hands of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Four M-60C 7.62mm machine guns in fuselage, plus 3,600 lbs. of external stores
Engines: Two Garrett-AiResearch T76 turboprops of 715 shaft hp each
Maximum speed: 281 mph
Cruising speed: 223 mph
Range: 1,240 miles
Ceiling: 26,000 ft.
Span: 40 ft.
Length: 41 ft. 7 in.
Height: 15 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 14,444 lbs. maximum
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