military@cbnews (01/23/91)
From: ihlpm!jfb (Joseph F Baugher +1 708 713 4548) Here's number 32 in the series--the OV-10 Bronco forward air controller and light counterinsurgency attack aircraft. North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco Engines: Two 715 shp Garrett-AiResearch T76-G-10(port)/12(starboard) turboprops. Performance: Maximum speed: 281 mph at lea level. Cruising speed: 223 mph at 10,000 feet. Initial climb rate: 2600 feet per minute Service ceiling: 28,800 feet Range: 450 miles with maximum weapons load. Ferry range: 1300 miles. Wing area: 291 sq. ft. Weights: Empty weight: 6890 pounds Maximum takeoff weight: 14,400 pounds Armament: Four fixed forward-firing 0.30 cal M60C machine guns mounted in sponsons attached to lower fuselage. Four weapons strongpoints under the sponsons and one centerline strongpoint under the fuselage. Up to 3600 lbs of ordinance can be carried. The centerline position is plumbed to carry a drop tank. USMC version of the OV-10A was also equipped with underwing pylons for a pair of AIM-9D Sidewinder air to air missiles. Remarks: Tandem, two-seat battlefield support and forward air controller aircraft. Large heavily-glazed cockpit canopy for good all-round visibility. Originally developed in response to a US Marine Corps requirement for a light armed reconnaissance aircraft. First YOV-10A prototype flew July 16, 1965. Ordered by USAF for forward air controller duties, and by US Marine Corps for counterinsurgency attack duties. Entered service in Vietnam in 1968. 157 OV-10As built for the USAF. 114 built for US Marine Corps. One squadron of OV-10As was operated by US Navy for the protection of river traffic in the Mekong delt. During 1970, LTV Electrosystems modified 15 USAF OV-10s for night Forward Air Controller duties, with laser rangefinder and target illuminator and night periscope sight. This was done under the "Pave Nail" code name. OV-10B was a version built for Germany as an unarmed target tug. The turboprop engines were supplemented by a J-85 turbojet mounted in a pod over the rear fuselage. 18 built. OV-10C was an armed version for export to Thailand. 38 built. YOV-10D was designation given to a pair of Marine Corps OV-10As modified in 1971 by addition of an infrared sensor under the nose and a 3-barrel 20-mm cannon in a ventral turret slaved to the sensor. Underwing pylons were added to the wings for drop tanks. The designation OV-10D was given to 17 Marine Corps OV-10As modified to carry 1040 hp Garret AiResearch T76-G-420/1 turboprops. A laser target rangier and designator were fitted, but no ventral turret was provided. The designation OV-10E was given to a version for Venezuela. 16 built. The designation OV-10F was given to a version for Indonesia. 12 built. The designation OV-10G was given to a version for South Korea. 24 were built. Sources: Various issues of Aviation Week Various issues of Defense Electronics The Observer's Book of Aircraft, William Green. American Combat Planes, Ray Wagner, Doubleday. Joe Baugher ************************************** AT&T Bell Laboratories * "Book him, Dano!!! Murder-One! * 200 Park Plaza ************************************** Naperville, Illinois 60566-7050 (708) 713 4548 ihlpm!jfb jfb200@cbnewsd.att.com Who, me? Speak for AT&T? Surely you jest!