OV-10 Bronco: Filling the Crucial Void
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the transformative journey of the OV-10 Bronco and its pivotal role in reshaping military aviation and Close Air Support (CAS). Following World War II, the dawn of jet propulsion and the creation of an independent Air Force ushered in a new era in military aviation, significantly impacting ground force support. Despite advancements, jet aircraft faced challenges in CAS roles due to their high speed and centralized control.
Enter the OV-10A Bronco, designed to blend effective WWII CAS tactics with modern technology, ensuring close integration with ground operations. This video traces the Bronco's evolution, from its humble beginnings in a garage to a pivotal asset in Vietnam, employed by the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. With its unique blend of speed, agility, and dive-bombing capabilities, the Bronco was an innovative response to the CAS conundrum posed by jet aircraft.
We examine the bureaucratic hurdles, design changes, and operational adaptations that shaped the Bronco's development, reflecting on its diverse applications from reconnaissance and light attack to forward air control. Discover how the Bronco, despite initial resistance, validated its worth in diverse environments, from the jungles of Vietnam to assisting Riverine and SEAL forces.
This video offers an in-depth look at the OV-10's legacy and continued service across the globe, including its sales to foreign air forces and use in operations like Desert Storm. We conclude with a reflection on the strategic significance of prioritizing the infantry's needs in CAS and the implications of centralized air support practices. The OV-10 Bronco's story is a testament to innovation, versatility, and the enduring importance of effectively supporting ground troops in military operations. Join us in uncovering the remarkable journey of the OV-10 Bronco, a true game-changer in military aviation history.
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I'm not sure it's clear here, but "China Lake" is a U.S. Navy facility in Califonia's Mojave Desert. It's used to develop aviation weapons technology. Now known as Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD, pronounced like "Hawk'- WD"). Weapons such as the Sidewinder Air-to-Air missile and the Tomahawk land attack missile were developed at China Lake. And it's "Fack," never "Eff A See," at least in the U.S.
I have about 5000 hours in the front seat flying for the California Department of Forestry as a spotter. My airplane was a former Black Pony. I loved every day I went to work.
The OV-10 Bronco really is a brilliant design. One of my top favorite aircraft. Thanks for this video.
I spent a year (1970-71) flying the OV-10 as a FAC out of Thailand over Laos. Nice to see an article on my old ride. Pity you didn’t mention the out-country FAC role, high threat, long mission times (4.5-5.5 hours), no backseater and 4 radios to use almost constantly. Yeehah! Oh yeah, and grease pencil markings all over the canopy for strike control.
I've read "A Lonely Kind of War", EXCELLENT book!
My father (deceased) was a naval special forces operator (NAG) 69-72ish in Vietnam before apparently moving into operations with Air America in Cambodia/Laos. I had a model of the OV-10 as a kid and he once told me he had flown in and jumped from modified versions of this aircraft in which they could stuff 2 or 3 guys with parachutes in the back. He said they would fly just high enough above the jungle to allow their chutes to open before crashing though the trees. The footage at
I spent a full year in the 20th TASS out of DaNang Niv19770-71 We all loved the OV-10 and the O2. I worked FOLs from the Citiadal down to Pleiku. Some of the most fulfilling and scarry days of my 24 years maintaining and Training Maintainers in the USAF. COVE FAC FOREVER
‘A Lonely Kind of War’ is the best book about flying the OV-10 you’ll ever read. In fact, one of the best biographical combat avaition books ever.
Marvelous aircraft. They make great COIN platforms. A couple have been refurbished for used
Love this aircraft...watched them fly in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. On time on target fire and CAS missions and long loiter times and they saved lots of Marine lives. Semper Fi...should have never done away with this aircraft.
My grandfather was with the 20th TASS, out of da Nang, from April-June 1972 when he was shot down. Great airplane. Thanks for the video!
Dwayne's Aviation, this was a great episode, but it could have been even better! I Started out on the Bell UH-1C and moved onto the Bell 412SP. But I have a Friend who flew Broncos in Vietnam, and I don't mind telling you, I would LOVE getting my hands on one of those beauties!
My dad was in the Air Force. We were stationed at Sembach AFB in West Germany between 75 and 79. I remember sitting in the OV10 as a kid. My dad was a aircraft mechanic.
I love this kite.
I thought for sure they would mention it's use as a vehicle for Marine Recon teams. I watched a Recon team coming dropping out the back of the plane in Okinawa in the late 70's and couldn't believe what I was seeing.
The Marine squadron VMO-2 actually flew 6 OV-10As in Desert storm
Some OV10's were used in the Battle of Marawi.
Old white hair ... 85 ... ag driver retired years ago ... but kinda happy to see the OV10s again ... always thought they were perfect machines for the role.
I had a college job working at the North American - Columbus, Ohio plant when the OV-10 project got started; never got to see one. Then I graduated and got commissioned as an Army lieutenant, spent a year along the Cambodian border, and thought about but never saw an OV-10 in country. But they started showing up after I left, I heard. Great comments from others!!
Any video featuring OV-10s gets a like.