North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco

The OV-10 Bronco entered service in the late 1960s as a light attack and observation aircraft. Designed for short-field performance, it featured a twin-boom configuration. The aircraft served in Vietnam and later conflicts.

North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco ‘G-ONAA’ © Steve Lynes

Overview

North American Aviation (NAA) United States ICAO: V10 1965–1986 Active $480,000 (1986)

North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco — light attack and observation aircraftThe OV-10 first flew in 1965 and entered service in 1968. It featured turboprop engines and a high-mounted wing. The aircraft was designed for forward air control and counterinsurgency missions.Two turboprop engines producing approximately 715 shaft horsepower each powered the Bronco. Cruise speed approached 220 knots (407 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg).The OV-10 served with U.S. and allied forces in multiple theaters. Its short takeoff capability allowed operation from austere airstrips. The aircraft remains notable for its adaptability and unique configuration.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Garrett T76-G-420/421
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
2 × 1,040 shp · 776 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
44 ft 0 in  ·  13.41 m
Tail height
15 ft 1 in  ·  4.60 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Wing span
40 ft 0 in  ·  12.20 m
Baggage volume
109 ft³  ·  3.1 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
14,400 lb  ·  6,550 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,700 lb  ·  1,700 kg
Fuel capacity
250 gal · 1,000 L · 800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
250 kt  ·  288 mph  ·  463 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
45 kt  ·  52 mph  ·  83 km/h
Range
1,200 nm  ·  1,380 mi  ·  2,220 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
26,000 ft  ·  7,900 m
Rate of climb
2,650 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,800 ft  ·  850 m
Landing distance
1,250 ft  ·  380 m
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An OV-10 Bronco aircraft firing a White phosphorus smoke rocket.

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Operational Context

The OV-10D version is a second-generation Bronco built under the Night Observation Gunship System program. This version was a much improved OV-10A airframe, incorporating a forward-looking infrared night vision system.

It was also fitted with larger engines and bigger propellers made of fiberglass. Seventeen OV-10D were converted from OV-10A. It has an external length of 13.41 meters, an external height of 2.5 meters, and a fuselage width of 1.2 meters.

The tail height is 4.62 meters and the wheelbase is 3.7 meters. It has a wingspan of 12.2 meters and a wing area of 27.03 square meters. The aircraft has an empty weight of 3,127 kg and a gross weight of 4,494 kg. The maximum takeoff weight is 6,552 kg. It has a maximum payload of 1,679 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 252 US gal.

The OV-10D is powered by two Garrett T76-G-420/421 turboprop engines. Each engine is rated at 1,040 shaft horsepower thrust and drives three-bladed Hamilton Standard constant-speed fully feathering propellers. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 250 knots at sea level.

It has a combat range of 198 nautical miles and a ferry range of 1,200 nautical miles with auxiliary fuel. The service ceiling is 30,000 feet and the rate of climb is 2,020 feet per minute. The take-off run is 226 meters, the take-off distance to 15 meters is 341 meters and at MTOW is 853 meters.

The landing run at MTOW is 38 meters. The aircraft could be loaded with a single 20 mm M197 electric cannon or four M60C machine guns and seven hard points; five on the fuselage and two underwing with provisions to carry combinations of 7- or 19-tube launchers for 2.75 in Folding Fin Aerial Rockets/2.75 in WAFARs or 2- or 4-tube launchers for 5 in FFARs or WAFARs, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on wings, and up to 227 kg of bombs.