The Bronco flew combat missions as recently as the 1990s, supporting U.S. Marine operations during Operation Desert Storm.
Developed under a US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps tri-service program, the OV-10A is a twin turboprop, light attack aircraft versatile for countering insurgents. After the Bronco first took flight in 1967, their missions included observation, close air support guidance, armed reconnaissance, special operations support, limited ground attack, and supply interception with the Viet Cong on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Interestingly, the OV-10 could, when needed, deliver four Special Forces paratroopers into combat.
In 1988, Hill Air Force Base began depot maintenance operations for the OV-10 after the workload transferred from the San Antonio Air Logistics Center. Hill personnel implemented a refurbishment program for the Bronco that lasted until the early 1990s. In addition to maintenance, Hill Air Force Base was also home to the Mature and Proven Aircraft Division — a unit that provided lifecycle management for this weapon system.
North American Rockwell manufactured the OV-10 on display in 1968, after which the US Air Force assigned it to several bases throughout the world, to include Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and Germany. After its distinctive service, this OV-10 retired in 1991 and was then placed into storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. In 2006, Hill Aerospace Museum personnel removed the aircraft from storage and transported it to Utah to put on display.
OV-10A Broncos have some distinctive design features that set it apart from fighter or attack aircraft in this museum. Most noticeable is the twin booms on each side of the plane, connected in the back by a horizontal tail. The horizontal tail serves as an important stabilizer for this aircraft, helping it to take off and land within short distances.
Serial Number: 67-14675
Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Primary Function: Forward Air Control
Crew: One
Engines: Two Garrett-AiResearch T76-G turboprops, 715 horsepower each
Wingspan: 40 ft
Length: 41 ft 7 in
Height: 15 ft 1 in
Weight: 7,190 lbs (empty); 14,500 lbs (maximum)
Speed: 223 mph (cruising); 281 mph (maximum)
Range: 1,240 miles
Service Ceiling: 26,000 ft
Armament: Four M-60C 7.62mm machine guns, 3,600 lbs of external stores
Cost: $480,000
Years of Service: 1968 – 1991
Hill Air Force Base began OV-10 maintenance operations in 1988. Local efforts included structural refurbishment, rewiring and installation of a secure voice radio. Maintenance personnel at Hill Air Force Base performed work on this airframe into the 1990s. In addition to maintenance, Hill Air Force Base was also home to the Mature and Proven Aircraft Division and unit that directed OV-10 lifecycle management for this weapon system.
The OV-10A on display was manufactured in 1968 and was assigned to the Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, the following year. In 1991, after several base transfers, the aircraft was sent to and modified by the Ogden Air Logistics Center to support a US State Department drug interdiction project for the Colombian Air Force. In 2006, the aircraft was put on display here at Hill Aerospace Museum.
The OV-10A is a turboprop, light attack aircraft developed under a United States (US) Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps tri-service program to create a versatile, counterinsurgency airplane. After these aircraft first took flight in 1967, some of their missions included observation, forward air control, armed reconnaissance, interdiction missions on the Ho Chi Minh Trail and limited ground attack during the Vietnam War.
The Bronco flew combat missions as recently as the 1990s, supporting U.S. Marine operations during Operation Desert Storm.
The OV-10 was conceived as a light attack and observation aircraft, primarily used as a forward air control aircraft, capable of taking off from short and improvised runways.
The Bronco would cruise at 223 mph, with a max speed of 281 mph.
360 Bronco were built by North American Rockwell, between 1965 and 1986.