North American OV-10 Bronco

Summary

Description

The OV-10 Bronco originated from a request by the US Marine Corps for a light reconnaissance and armed aircraft. In 1963, a formal program called Light Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (LARA) was launched with the joint interest of the US Navy, US Army, and US Air Force. The goal of this program was to provide the United States with a twin-engine aircraft capable of light transport and ground attack. Ultimately, the North American NA-300 was chosen. Seven YOV-10A prototypes were initially built and tested in flight with two different engine configurations. In the end, the production OV-10A was equipped with two more powerful Garrett T76-G-10/12 engines than the previous test engines.

The Bronco's unconventional configuration, consisting of a central section with a two-seat cockpit and cargo space, with a high-mounted straight wing and two fuselage-mounted booms ending in a twin tail, set it apart from other contemporary aircraft. Two of the three landing gear units retracted into the engine nacelles. Compared to the prototypes, the Bronco's wingspan was increased by over three meters. The wing design provided the Bronco with Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from unimproved fields, land on aircraft carriers, and take off without the need for steam catapults. The rear seat of the OV-10 could be removed to accommodate a rear compartment for carrying equipment (up to 1450 kg) or personnel (5 men or 2 stretchers). This space also allowed the Bronco to conduct troop or cargo parachute drops, providing a significant advantage against guerilla forces in Counter-Insurgency (COIN) missions. The cockpit of the OV-10 Bronco offered excellent visibility for the pilot and navigator (in the two-seat configuration) who were seated on zero-zero LW-3B ejection seats. The engines were designed to start without external assistance for operations on unprepared runways. Additionally, they could run on automotive gasoline in emergency situations instead of jet fuel.

In terms of armament, the Bronco was well equipped. In addition to 4 M60C 7.62mm machine guns, the OV-10A could carry 2175 kg of weapons on 7 external pylons, including rocket or missile pods, bombs, and cannons. The OV-10D version was more focused on surveillance missions and night attack capabilities with FLIR sensors and a M-197 20mm cannon linked to the targeting system. Faster than a helicopter but more agile and slower than a jet fighter, and able to operate from aircraft carriers, the Bronco served successfully with the US Marine Corps, particularly during the Vietnam War. Its robustness and ability to operate from short and unimproved runways made it a reliable and versatile twin-engine aircraft used in a variety of missions, including anti-guerrilla operations, helicopter escort, close air support, psychological warfare, and armed reconnaissance.

Approximately 300 OV-10 Broncos were built, with 157 serving in Vietnam. The United States was the largest user, with the US Air Force operating 157 OV-10A aircraft and the Marines operating 114. It is worth noting that 15 US Air Force aircraft were equipped, as part of the Pave Nail program, with a night target acquisition and designation system. The aircraft was retired from service in the United States in 1994 but is still used by some countries. Half a dozen Broncos are still in service in Colombia, countering drug traffickers and local rebel groups, and around fifteen form the backbone of the Philippine Air Force alongside SF-260 aircraft. While most Broncos were OV-10A and OV-10D variants, other versions were also produced.

Key versions include:

• OV-10A: Base version
• OV-10B: Target-towing version, with the OV-10B(Z) being identical to the first except for an additional rocket engine; 18 examples built for West Germany, all retired in 1990
• OV-10C/E/F: Exported OV-10A aircraft to Thailand, Venezuela, and Indonesia, respectively
• OV-10D: Evolution of the Bronco, featuring updated engines with Garrett T-76-G-420/421 producing 1040 hp each, as well as new avionics and chaff/flare dispensers.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Philippines	7

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Germany • Indonesia • Morocco • Philippines • Thailand • United States • Venezuela

Armament

Missiles payload:

• Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder

Photo of OV-10 Bronco