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OV-10A Bronco Philippines

117k Inuyasha8215  2.7 years ago

The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is an American twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. It can carry up to 3,200 lb (1,450 kg) of external munitions, internal loads such as paratroopers or stretchers, and loiter for three or more hours. The aircraft's design supported effective operations from forward bases. The OV-10 can perform short takeoffs and landings, including on aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships without using catapults or arresting wires. Further, the OV-10 was designed to take off and land on unimproved sites. Repairs could be made with ordinary tools. No ground equipment was required to start the engines.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received 24 OV-10As from U.S. stocks in 1991, later followed by a further nine from the United States, and eight ex-Thai Air Force OV-10Cs in 2003–2004. The OV-10s are operated by the 16th Attack Squadron and 25th Composite Attack Squadron of the 15th Strike Wing, based in Sangley Point, Cavite. The PAF flies Broncos on search-and-rescue and COIN operations in various parts of the Philippines. The first two women combat pilots in the PAF flew OV-10s with the 16th. This squadron flew anti-terrorist operations in the Jolo island. PAF OV-10 Broncos were repeatedly used in air strikes against Moro Islamic Liberation Front positions during ongoing fighting in 2011, and two were used in an air strike in February 2012 which resulted in the death of three Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah commanders, among others. Philippine Air Force OV-10s have been reportedly modified in order to employ modern smart bombs. On 1 June 2017, the PAF OV-10s dropped bombs on Maute group positions during the Battle of Marawi.

Controls:
AG1: Jettison rocket pods
AG2: Jettison bombs
VTOL: Flaps
Trim: Adjust Trim

General Characteristics

  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 25.7ft (7.8m)
  • Length 27.4ft (8.4m)
  • Height 8.9ft (2.7m)
  • Empty Weight N/A
  • Loaded Weight 5,617lbs (2,548kg)

Performance

  • Horse Power/Weight Ratio 0.356
  • Wing Loading 19.4lbs/ft2 (94.6kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 289.9ft2 (26.9m2)
  • Drag Points 2180

Parts

  • Number of Parts 288
  • Control Surfaces 12
  • Performance Cost 1,002