brndlfly@athena.mit.edu (Matthew T Velazquez) (01/22/91)
From: brndlfly@athena.mit.edu (Matthew T Velazquez) The OV-10 Bronco is an observation/transport plane that has been in the U.S. inventory since the Vietnam era. It is probably the most unusual plane in the inventory (excluding the F-117) in that it has a very unorthodox airframe. It is about the same size as the F-16, but is powered by two turboprops mounted on separate booms with the crew compartment and cargo area in a center-mounted fuselage. I'm not sure what kind of internal armament it carries but it has the capability to carry an amazing amount of unguided rockets underwing. An interesting thing I saw at Miramar was an OV-10 doing its flight display, nothing particularly special, until it flew up to the center of the "flight stage" area, banked straight up, climbed to about 800 or 1000 feet, and hung on the airscrew as eight Marine paratroopers dropped out the back. Anybody more informed than me care to add to the description? T Velazquez MIT Aero/Astro brndlfly@athena.mit.edu
qj0309@westpoint-emh2.army.mil (Welsh James CPT) (01/23/91)
From: Welsh James CPT <qj0309@westpoint-emh2.army.mil> 1. The OV-10 is a multipurpose observation aircraft. They are capable of carrying small ordnance loads, but are used primarily to direct other aircraft on target and coordinate supporting arms. 2. The "log cabin" referred to in one posting is the framework for a bunker. One of the least-liked tasks that all infantrymen must master, if they are to survive, is digging in. You start with a small skirmishers trench to get you a little protection, and eventually expand these into strong defensive positions connected by trenches. The articles on the board concerning casualties underscore the need for modern soldiers to quickly get below ground or else suffer the consequences. This is not a new idea; the soldiers in the Civil War figured it out long before their generals did. Welsh James CPT <qj0309@staff>