Estrella WarBirds Museum

N93LM

USAF 67-14615

This rugged and cost-effective twin-turboprop short-takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft was conceived by the Marine Corps and developed under a joint USAF, USN, and USMC tri-service program. First production of OV-10As was ordered in 1966, and the plane's initial flight took place on August 6, 1967. Faster and more tactically versatile than helicopters, yet slower and more maneuverable than jets, the Bronco utilized tactics not possible with either.

The Bronco's combat capabilities included observation and photo reconnaissance, forward air control (FAC), helicopter escort, artillery spotting, ground attack, and ambulance — the Air Force acquired the Bronco primarily as a FAC aircraft. Adding to its versatility was the rear fuselage compartment with a capacity of 3,200 pounds of cargo, five combat-equipped soldiers or six paratroopers, or two litter patients and a medical attendant. Weaponry consisted of four M60C 7.62mm machine guns in fuselage sponsons, plus 3,600 lbs of mixed ordnance or external gun pods.

The first OV-10As destined for combat went to Vietnam on July 31, 1968, for Air Force and Marine units, and soon after to the Navy's VAL-4 "Black Ponies" squadron. A total of 271 were built, with 157 delivered to the USAF and 114 to the USMC/USN until production ended in April 1969. In addition, there were exports to West Germany (as OV-10B), Thailand (OV-10C), Venezuela (OV-10E), and Indonesia (OV-10F). OV-10D was 17 conversions as night observers and USMC paratroop carriers.

Manufactured by North American Aviation and North American-Rockwell Corp — unit cost: $480,000 — this ship was one of six that went from USAF surplus to the Forestry Service in 1984 for use as a spotter and director during fire seasons before entering our log on June 11, 2005.

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