Here's a direct quote from Col Rice: "The original concept of a small, simple aircraft that could operate close to the supported troops had been almost completely eviscerated by the system." Fortunately the aircraft that came out the end,although very different, was still formidable in the work it did, despite the 'committee'.
Having been "saved" by the actions of a great Bronco Pilot, who flew overwatch and did strafing and bomb runs against Charlie and then directed F4 Phantoms while we were being extricated from a Hot Zone, They have my eternal thanks. The pilot was under almost constant anti-aircraft fire but still made attack runs. His aerobatics were a sight to see while we waited for the River Boats (Rats) to come in.
My Uncle, who flew everything the Air Force had from '47-'77, says the OV-10 was his favorite. I won't see my Uncle again until Heaven, but to think, we might see the Bronco in combat again-Wow.
Never flew one, but I watched them crank up their engines, yank forward like a slingshot, then leap into near vertical climbs after a roll I’ve only seen beaten by a few bush planes. It looked like it would be an absolute blast to fly.
can you imagine being the the two marines who were like "hey lets build a prototype plane in our backyard and see how far it goes" and it becomes one of the most capable subsonic planes of the era
@@Joshua_N-A Zack Powers Jr , former CH-53E Pilot at U.S. Marine Corps (1987-1996) Answered May 14, 2019: (to a similar question in Quora): "The OV-10 Bronco was able to takeoff and land unassisted on amphibious and conventional aircraft carrier decks.."
No. What you need to define is the battles you will face. 2 Marines will define one faze of battle. I don't think the US will need to fight a grand world war. I think they need to plan on light and nimble.
In 1970-71 I served in the delta and many nights I would lay out on a bunker to watch the war. The Black Ponies were in the sky every night, and a common run was to fire rockets (red trail), then machine gun (green tracers) then pull up and drop bombs. It was an amazing spectacle.
@@kschleic9053 The other way around. People involved in the OA-X program knew this would be a criticism raised against turboprops, so at Green Flag exercises the OA-X aircraft were pitted against Marines with Stingers. Allegedly, they couldn't get a lock. It makes sense. The turbine that powers the prop takes out so much heat from the exhaust, and prop wash itself mixes the exhaust with incoming air. And it is known that after the initial Stinger kills on Soviet helicopters in Afghanistan they responded by changing tactics but also installing diverter plates in the exhaust to help mask the heat signature. Meanwhile their jets were forced to fly higher. Soldiers on the ground jokingly started calling them "cosmonauts" for refusing to fly inside Stinger range.
This was my favorite aircraft when I was in Vietnam. Watched one dive at about 80° strafing with a mini gun, pull up at 80° to gain altitude, loop over and do it again. And again and again and again. Almost felt sorry for the people trying to kill us.
I love their engine noise! The Philippine Air Force is still flying these birds. :) Seen them personally in action during Cabatangan Siege 2001 and Zamboanga Crisis 2013. They also served in The Battle of Marawi. These guys flown many combat sorties in the Philippines even before those I mentioned.
@@That_Bender helmet mounted HUD in the friggin 60s. Sometimes an overly ambitious project is intimidating to support into production. Easy to consider excessive and to kill the project
My USMC Father (RIP) flew these in Vietnam! He loved how it handled and how stable the aircraft was and he always thought it was a "good airplane!" If he was in a high turn all he had to do was take his hands off the controls and Bronco would "right itself" up in level flight. However, he also told me that they were "underpowered" and in Vietnam he had to avoid going down in what he called "Punchbowl Valleys' that had a circular shape. He had friend that got caught in a valley and Bronco engines couldn't generate the power to get out of the valley and the pilot flew the airplane into the valley sidewall trying to get over it. The observer in the back seat managed to eject in time but not the pilot. My Dad visited the observer in the hospital to find out what happened! I always wondered why they just didn't put the same engines in the OV-1 Mohawk as Bronco! The Mohawk had more powerful engines. I have a childhood memory of playing with my Dad's OV-10 wooden model from the squadron, VMO-6, gave him and I managed to break the wings off in 1975 or 76' and he was "pissed off", respectively for "tearing up" one of his wooden models of aircraft he flew in the Corps! He also said that between Vietnam tours, stateside, during an air show a friend of his took his girlfriend up in Bronco and did some aerobatics but he stalled it, could not recover and he got out but his girlfriend did not, she went in with the plane and that ended the common practice then of pilots sometimes bringing their kids and girlfriends for rides in airshows and such during the early to late 1960's.
I was a rigger for VMO-6 at MCAS Futema from ‘74-75. Great aircraft, loved to go up on test hops over Northern Okinawa as the pilot put em thru the paces.
Garrett don't have a very good flat rating. As soon as you were above standard atmosphere 15c/sea level your power dropped off. Later versions had 1100hp/flat rated to 715 so had sea level power to somewhere around 8000'
Sorry to hear of the mishap and death. When I was in I was a parachute rigger and ejection seat mech. Never flew in it for combat. Always for test hops and the pilots would put them through the paces over Northern Okinawa. Flying in the back seat was a blast tough. I was known to have a cast iron stomach. On one test hop I drew one Capt Chandler who took glory in making enlisteds spew the contents of their stomach. We spent an hour over Camp Butler doing loops and other things like shutting down one engine then restart and then the other. So o. The way back to base he took the plane up to around 5000 feet. Then he went over into a steep dive. I watched the altimeter scrolling down. My stomach was fine btw. When we blew past 2000 feet I calmly asked the Capt if he needed help pulling on the stick to pull out of the dive. He chuckled said no then through the plane into its final most violent maneuvers. As we climbed out after landing the Capt asked me how I was doing. I grinned ear to ear said I was doing great and asked when could we go back up. I never drew him again, I broke his record. Peace time fun.
That song came up on Spotify once and it took me a while to figure out what the heck it was about. I'm an airplane nerd and interested in military history but I had to do some figuring. A couple years later and I still can't get enough Dick Jonas. Really good tunes, and very honest. Badian37 interesting story, thanks for sharing. And isn't it funny how our early childhood memories that stick out the most are of doing something stupid like that? I'm still embarrassed when I think about a couple even though it's long gone.
@@ScottRothsroth0616 same here. I worked with CalFire a few years ago and got to see the OV-10 up close (on the ground and in the air). That was the first thing that came to mind when this video popped up.
Still in use (although ready to be retired due to the arrival of the A-29 Super Tucanos) with the Philippine Air Force. They even provided CAS in the 2017 Battle of Marawi which lasted for 5 months.
There was reported incident between Philippines Broncos and Malaysian Mig-29 in their overlapping EEZ. Malaysia conducting drills and Broncos were sent to monitor..... and got "harassed" according to the Philippines.
As much as I like and read about aircraft, I learned a couple of things. 1.) The Bronco had a rear firing gun, almost like a WWII tailgun. 2.) I never realized they were aircraft carrier capable, but it makes sense though. I also didn't realize it had that impressive of a kill count in Desert Storm. Such a cool aircraft!!
the "rear gun" you see in the footage is not a actual rear gun, its a fixed side firing minigun to engage targets while the plane circles the enemy. kinda like a AC-130 it was only experimental though
Gotta correct you on #1: The Bronco never had a rear firing gun. It had two rear *mounted* gun prototypes however. The first was the YOV-10D, of which two models were made. It featured a turreted XM197, 20mm cannon, with a head tracking functionality for the gunner. It could shoot to the sides, and forward of the plane, but I am not sure if it could shoot behind the plane at all. The second version, I don't know if it ever got to the point of getting a type classification, but it had a dual mode "pod" that was tucked into the cargo bay of the aircraft. The 20mm XM197 gun was mounted on an arm, that could either aim to the side, so the OV-10 could circle an area like the AC-47, AC-119, AC-130, etc. Or the gun could be aimed forwards, alongside of the fuselage.
If the Philippines wanted to get in the aircraft carrier game this would be the airplane for it. In fact reverse engineering the OV10 would be a good move for the Philippines aircraft industry. I am sure their are many countries that could use a modern updated Bronco.
Funny how these great planes keep popping up. They retire them and then it's like "Oppppps, we still need these because of their unique characteristics."
Not really. Decades of low level conflict against poorly equipped insurgents with the odd barely functional actual military thrown in has created a skewed perspective. The A-10 for example, is built around a weapon that is at best dead weight against any remotely capable force. Even in desert storm, the F-16 _handily_ outperformed it in the CAS role, and standoff munitions have only gotten better since. Man portable anti-air has also become better, cheaper, and more widespread in the same period.
@@jsn1252 Says who, the A-10 has been decimating the opposition since it's inception. It's cannon is far from "dead weight" and it's capability a for carrying the latest in smart weapon adds to it. The F-16 is a capable aircraft but lacks the loiter time to be effective at CAS. Only drones can match it's loiter time.
If you remember the same thing happened with the A-1 Skyraider. It’s the reasoning behind the A-10's heavy firepower and tight turning radius. The A-1 & the Bronko are two of my favorite planes of all time. I saw both of these planes in action in Vietnam in 1969.
I'm actually surprised, considering how rugged, durable, and versatile these were, that these haven't taken off as second hand bush planes. Their chassis looks like it could easily fit the role of moving mail and supplies in the Alaskan/Canadian frontier.
I grew up during the Vietnam war. In fact, my dad was in the Marine Corps and was deployed there out of Pendleton in 1965. I remember how busy the base was with all the war related activity. I regulary witnessed ships on the horizon with hueys flying out and back to them and buses full of Marines headed to San Diego to board troop transports to Hawaii, the Phillipines, Okinawa or directly to VN. Everyday I witness squadrons of hueys in the skies over Oceanside and vicinity. However, the most memorable aircraft to me was seeing the daily flights of OV-10 Broncos flying out of Pendleton in a step climb. I thought they were awesome aircraft! Thanks for posting.
@@mrrolandlawrence I saw quite a few Cessna's on display in Vietnam, the Bird dog & the Jet, ground attack A37 but no Bronco's, I don't think the US left any of these & I never heard of any SV trained in their use.
My father served as crew chief for the ov-10 bronco in vietnam at Bien HOA air base he always bragged about the dependability and ruggedness of the bronco
The thumbnail gave me instant flashbacks to Desert Storm. Trying to sleep while listening to them running their engines down on the flight line usually ended in dreams of being chased by lawnmowers. That's what the sound of their engines reminded me of.
The OV-10 Bronco still to this day exceed most all requirements for tactical low conflict close air-support. They should never have been retired, and should be built once more.
Yep worked on OV-10s in Osan 76-77. Loaded many a rocket, gun and flair in those days. I remember all of them had little round patches riveted from battle scars in Vietnam.
I see an OV-10 almost daily. I live in the Sierras and CDF uses one out of the Grass Valley airport as a fast spotter on potential forest fires. Unique sound on the twin turbo-props on a lightweight airframe. ....and right on queue, it just flew over Coyote Hill heading towards Grass Valley.
"Ugly stumpy bastard", my dad flew one of these from 1968 to 1972 in Vietnam. He said they used to call it "The Ugly Stumpy Bastard". Hes telling me that they would come in on a 75° negative dive with half flaps to go as slow as possible and dump all there ordnance on one spot, the troops they were supporting would call it in as a "daisy cutter" when they knew there were Broncos in the sky and something absolutely positively needed to be destroyed. I showed him this video and he lit up like a yule tree lol.
Saw a pair of these dog fighting over a bomb dump in Germany. We stopped working and laid back on the berm wall to watch the show. They chased each other across the sky for a good 30 minutes. Best air show I ever saw!
In 1987 I was on a Det at NAS Fallon. We were marking targets for a carrier air wing qualifying on CAS. There I met a Marine Chief Warrant Officer named Guy Hunter. He had been in Broncos in Vietnam and shot down there. Fast forward to Jan 1991. He and the squadron commander were shot down by what was probably an SA-7 in the early days of the air war. He survived and retired in 1992.
@@alohathaxted fuel consumption is something i didnt think about. They could hang out and get picky about their targets but their response time will be slower.
Once had a OV-10 fly down through a cut along the finger of a mountain that I had a Stinger Air Defense site set up on. The pilot was maybe 40 yards away and apparently thought it was funny flying so close to us that he flipped us 'the Bird' as he flew past. Flew that thing across the valley then stood it on it's tail and slew straight up a vertical cliff. Hell of a pilot in one hell of an airplane. Was a great training op.
These were a very common sight around Camp Lejeune back in the early 1990s. Of all the military aircraft that I grew so accustomed to seeing, I never got bored watching these little planes maneuver on strafing runs, or even performing airdrops of small special ops teams.
I grew up in Barstow, CA, and OV-10's from Ft. Irwin would often be overhead, couldn't miss their distinct sound. The pilots would always be showing off - loops, rolls, split-"s"....They were so cool...
I trained to work CAS ( Close Air Support) with the mighty Bronco in the 80’s. They were awesome destruction dealers Danger Close during the Narco Wars in Central America.
I was a crew chief on OV-10s in Korea and Arizona. Even got a ride in one once. It's a great little plane. It's kinda like the "Yugo" of tactical aviation.
One of the most extensive use of OV10 Bronco was by Indonesian military during its military campaign in East Timor (1975 - 1997). There OV10 Bronco proved very effective and deadly against guerilla war, Indonesia had 16 OV10s at the time
I remember in Germany in the early 80’s they were still teamed up with A-10’s, one to spot, the other to kill. It was cool to see them both flying in and out of the same base.
I was stationed at Sembach AB from 83 to 89 and remember the OV10s, A10s, CH53s, then the EF111ss and EC130s. OV10 were used by Mobile TACS and FACPs, TACPs.
To this very day I have on the wall a framed picture poster of 2 OV-10's flying in formation over the jungle in Vietnam. My father, retired Air Force, was in South Vietnam late '68 to late '69 repairing shot up Caribou short field cargo/transport aircraft. It was given to him by a grateful OV-10 pilot that showed up at the base needing emergency repairs and my father helped him get back in the air again.
The ability to linger over a target and not run out of "gas" is the benefit prop/turbo-prop aircraft bring to the battle front, compared with jets. Vietnam proved this in a big way.
When living in NIceville, FL (near Eglin AFB) in the mid to late 1960's, our neighbor across the street (Captain Carr) was a pilot of the OV-10 in Vietnam. One of the nicest guy anyone would get to know, sadly one day we saw an Air Force officer with a Chaplain arrive at their front door. We immediately knew what that meant. He got shot down while on a mission over South Vietnam. Left behind a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids, a daughter & son.
Thanks. Great story. I'm a retired Marine artillery officer. I was sorry when the Marines ditched the OV-10 in the early 1990s without a suitable replacement for use as a FAC Airborne, or for adjusting artillery. Glad to here they we resurrected for the COIN fight against ISIS.
We used to get high cover from Black Ponies when we hauled fuel and ammo in the Mekong Delta. Sometimes we had Cobras as well. A-10's could light up VC AO's in a couple of passes. Charlie rarely messed with us with Broncos around. I loved to watch them do their thing.
Thank you Dark Skies for another fine airborne weapon system doc. The OV-10 Bronco reminds me, along w/the Super Tweet, of a precursor to the A-10. In any case, wow, the OV-10 was amazing: versatile, rugged, inexpensive, STOL capable, independently developed, deadly and, well, very cool. And used in the Gulf War and vrs ISIS? Amazing.
I am a US Marine veteran of Vietnam of 1969. I saw the Bronko in action many times. They were very welcome in the skies when Charlie was close and there was no one else close to help.
Helicopters are too slow and vulnerable. Not good for response times. And rotor is a big weakness. Big planes are too big and expensive and sometimes too fast. Require a big budget. OV-10 Bronco is in the middle, better than helicopters and cheaper than big planes, and good to deliver firepower and a proper speed. Am I wrong?
I remember as a child, I enjoyed watching the OV-10’s flying over our home near MCAS, New River. It and the A-10 were my favorite aircraft, along with the “ Huey”.
The OV-10s were in use by the USAF during the 1980's - the 22nd TASS (Tactical Air Support Squadron) at Wheeler Field flew them when I was stationed at Hickam.
My unit at Shaw AFB (507th TAIRCW) was the last USAF unit to fly the OV-10. I was a crew chief and these were an easy aircraft to maintain. The only hassle was having to adjust the engine for torque when the seasons changed. We were also the last US Military unit to fly the O-2 Skymaster prior to getting the OV-10s from Korea and Hawaii.
I was on those same airplanes at Osan, Korea from '76-'78. AR Shop/Crash Recovery. Fun to work on. Except the landing gear handle bungee. What a pain to change that was!
The OV-10 is what is needed now. These things can be taken apart and repaired with basic tools by average infantry personnel. It can be broken apart. crated. and shipped anywhere in the world as needed. The plane can be an assault aircraft, a cargo craft that included to carry troops. This craft was incredibly versatile. I've seen these things at a army/naval base. We need these types of planes that are simple, rugged and easy to maintain and to use.
I really like seeing these in the white and red CAL livery guiding the DC-10 and 747 supertanker in on a fire drop run. I also like the ‘bird dog’ designation given to them.
@@coolgyger yes I know about the scout/observation/utility Cessna and piper cub planes, but I am referring the nick name given to the OV-10 Broncos and other spotter aircraft when they lead the larger water bombers in over the drop target. The small Cessnas are to small and slow for that role.
@@americanrambler4972 I saw them a couple years ago coordinating the firefight of a fire 1/2 to 1 mile east of my place. For hours the CalFire Bronco's a a couple of helo's fought the fire. Couldnt see the firemen on the ground but they did a great job. The image was even better cause the afternoon westerlies kept the smoke away from us and as the sun lowered to the west horizon the clouds were lit up. Luckily the fire did not cause much damage.
while in VN waiting for a unit assignment I went to the Air Force side and bummed a ride for a combat mission. Since I was a Cobra helo pilot and just getting in country, the Bronco pilot let me go with - was there to learn the area of operations (AO) and the 'lay of the land' - was an exciting flight. That bird is a real kick in the buns!
i served with the 27th marines in Nam .only there a couple weeks outside of DA Nang and we were in a fire fight near our firebase from a tree line,when across our front a Bronco swept in left to right guns blazing tearing up the tree line..then nothing! One of the most wild things i've ever seen,besides Puff the magic dragon hosing down an enemy position in front of us..
I was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the Gulf War. We ferried a squadron of OV-10s across the pond on our flight deck. Just off the coast of Italy we launched them off the flight deck without catapults just like in WWII.
Thank you very much for making a Bronco video! i didn't know it was homebuilt and then sold to North American! That is the American spirit, right there!
When I was in Germany with the USAF in 1979 TDY at 601st Wing Sembach AB had OV-10 Broncos there. There was an accident with one of them during an engine test run-up. An aircraft mechanic was under the port engine checking it when the engine lost oil pressure and exploded. The pilot could not get out of the aircraft due to the fuel fire by the cockpit. The mechanic was pulled away from the fire with minor injuries and the pilot had to wait inside the cockpit for the fire department to put out the fire before he could egress safely. Why did I remember this? Because it was the new Wing (King) Commander's first day just after the Change of Command ceremonies.
My two strongest memories of seeing OV-10s are seeing a pair of USMC Broncos fly over my head on Oahu back in the 80s (I was young so I was stoked) and about 3 years ago watching a CalFire OV-10 through binocs work a fire in the Santa Cruz Mtns.
Absolutely one of my favorite OV series. Always been a fan of the twin boom design like the P 38 lightning. Purpose built and hard-hitting. She served very well with the Marines and Air Force
I remember talking to NVA Officers who after the war moved to the U.S. and began civilian lives here in CA. back in 1982 helping us in forest fire fighting duties, they all to a man feared one plane over any other during the last years of the Vietnam conflict that was the OV-10 BRONCO, funny as we all depended on this plane and its crew to save us from huge wildfires 10 years later, got to love the irony!
After graduating Airborne School in 1992, my unit was slatted to jump with Recon and ANGLICO Marines. They canked our order because they had a hung jumper and messed up the rotation. CAL dept of Fire and Forest Fire (Cal Fire) has 12 OV-10 used for spotting fires.
@@sullyway51 Oh, no, I live in Germany. They were a pretty common sight here back then. Later on you could even observe whole packages during excercises (A-10s, AH-1s, Wild Weasel F4´s and F-15 flying the CAP). Was very interesting. (Same for F-111 flying low-level interdictions etc etc)
I found this excellent video going down a rabbit hole of the "good old days.". I'm a retired USN photographer with 3 tours at Combat Camera. I first came across an OV-10 when I was documenting NGFS trials for the New Jersey back in '87-'88. We spent about a week at San Clemente, where the gunnery range was. After 3 days on the New Jersey, filming the big guns, I spent the rest of the time filming the OV-10 which was being used for spotter operations during the trials. Amazing little aircraft with a history I learned from the pilots while there, and I've always been impressed by its capabilities. I seem to recall some stories(mid-'90's?) about a couple OV-10s being used for counter-insurgencies somewhere in South America. I'm fuzzy on the details, I was just pleased to see that the plane was still being used, as it's one of my favorites, up there with the F-4 Phantom, which I used to photograph on USS Midway my first tour. I'm glad to hear that it's still being used in some capacity even today.
I once met an Australian Vietnam Veteran who claimed he flew these and said to me they were an excellent close support aircraft to the infantry! He said the fact the were a bit slower than the jet aircraft at the time meant they could be more precise with their targeting and therfore more accurate though their speed made them more susceptible to ground fire he said they were very robust and could take the enemy fire well!!
I was stationed in the Mekong Delta when I was in Vietnam. We ran fuel and ammo to various LZ's and firebases along the river and it's tributaries. We were often escorted by the Black Ponies as well as Huey Cobras and Navy PBRs. We rarely had trouble with VC except for occasional harassment. We had lost a couple of LCM 8's and several dead soldiers. The OV 10 was our little buddy that would watch over us and they could wipe out any enemy in a couple of passes.
Use to see these guy when I was stationed in Germany. They were stationed at sembach air base in Germany about 20 miles from Ramstein air base. Love to se them flying around different type of plane.
Also, simple and user friendly are why they have so many enemies. Cheap aircraft are a threat to those who stand to make much more money from complex, expensive designs
My dad, Told me things about this aircraft that most would not believe. He worked on them in Vietnam and taught school at Camp Pendleton for them. My dad retired 16 March, 1976 from the USMC. He's guarding the streets of heaven now and watching these birds fly.
Never heard of this one, thanks. Practicality and simple design (by experienced soldiers) over government bureaucracy to produce a mission specific air frame to aid the boots on the ground. You gotta love it.
I was in love with these things. I was a grunt in northern Thailand in '74. Broncos were our comm link and air support. They could linger on station for ever. Slow and very accurate fire support. Saved my ass a couple of times.
I maintained these in Viet Nam. Amazing was that compared to nearly all the other aircraft flying, this one had such great outward visibility. Fast and sleek does not always fit the bill.
Picked up 2 Bronco engines at auction in Texas and sold them to the Cactus Air Force near Carson City Nevada. They were flying one Bronco at the time. Was proud to help keep their OV-10 operational.
I remember seeing this aircraft in an isolated coastal airfield in Cornwall U.K. It has always been a favourite of mine, mainly due to its rarity in the U.K. During the 1980's a radar early warning station was set up on the north Cornish coast and during its calibration many unusual aircraft were spotted in the area, both British and NATO/OTAN.
The USAF did not retire their OV-10 aircraft until 1989. They were at Osan AB, Korea and George AFB, CA to target spot for fast jets in conjunction with USAF FAC's assigned to the US Army.
I was thinking the same thing. The first thing I thought when I saw it was that it looks like it was the inspiration for the A-10. Really cool aircraft! Some top brass don't want to keep the A-10. So it's no surprise the OV-10 has been removed from inventory. This would be an awesome aircraft for bush pilots.
Worked on these back in the late 70's when I was in the Marines VMO-4 Dobbins AFB. They were like a pissed off wasp. We had Cobras too. Seriously cool shit for a young jar head to work on. - Semper Fi
Also, got to see the very first F18 Hornet delivered to the Navy when I was at North Island. That was either in '78 or '79. Later on while working at Locheed in Marietta I was sent down to Titusville to work on Discovery in the fall of '85 right before Challenger disaster.
My dad was a FAC flying out of Thailand for AF. He said it was an amazing aircraft to fly! He loved it! Very tough. It got shot up but he was never hurt and never downed!
A plane designed by actual combat, not committee. The OV-10, like the A-10, is still one of my favorite planes to see at airshows.
The OV-10 is the A-10’s daddy.
@@MJVP6983 and the A-26 Invader is both there daddies
Here's a direct quote from Col Rice: "The original concept of a small, simple aircraft that could operate close to the supported troops had been almost completely eviscerated by the system." Fortunately the aircraft that came out the end,although very different, was still formidable in the work it did, despite the 'committee'.
The Chevy Vega was designed by committee. GM could not determine why that vehicle was such a 💩.
With you there; both are candidates for bringing back into production, with internal upgrades.
Having been "saved" by the actions of a great Bronco Pilot, who flew overwatch and did strafing and bomb runs against Charlie and then directed F4 Phantoms while we were being extricated from a Hot Zone, They have my eternal thanks. The pilot was under almost constant anti-aircraft fire but still made attack runs. His aerobatics were a sight to see while we waited for the River Boats (Rats) to come in.
Great story T.
Thanks for your service!
glad you made it back home. bet that little bronco and pilot saved more than a few boys. 🇺🇲
ov 10 still one of the best maneouverable ac
My Uncle, who flew everything the Air Force had from '47-'77, says the OV-10 was his favorite. I won't see my Uncle again until Heaven, but to think, we might see the Bronco in combat again-Wow.
He’s waitin’ for you there, brother ❤️
prolly got a cold one waiting for ya
Wishful thinking.
May your uncle RIP.
Never flew one, but I watched them crank up their engines, yank forward like a slingshot, then leap into near vertical climbs after a roll I’ve only seen beaten by a few bush planes. It looked like it would be an absolute blast to fly.
can you imagine being the the two marines who were like "hey lets build a prototype plane in our backyard and see how far it goes" and it becomes one of the most capable subsonic planes of the era
Probably didn't cost an arm and a leg either. It looks incredibly efficient and thoughtfully designed. Perfect for the mission it was made for.
How about you take the mic away from your mouth a little bit?
When aircraft are designed by 2 Marines, you know it’s gonna make Swiss Cheese go out of fashion!
Haha bronco go brbrbrbr
They can take off with maximum weight without catapults from the carrier?
@@Joshua_N-A
Zack Powers Jr
, former CH-53E Pilot at U.S. Marine Corps (1987-1996)
Answered May 14, 2019: (to a similar question in Quora):
"The OV-10 Bronco was able to takeoff and land unassisted on amphibious and conventional aircraft carrier decks.."
No. What you need to define is the battles you will face. 2 Marines will define one faze of battle. I don't think the US will need to fight a grand world war. I think they need to plan on light and nimble.
@@vpolite1 The Bronco IS light and nimble, and well-armed. Still proving itself effective.
In 1970-71 I served in the delta and many nights I would lay out on a bunker to watch the war. The Black Ponies were in the sky every night, and a common run was to fire rockets (red trail), then machine gun (green tracers) then pull up and drop bombs. It was an amazing spectacle.
I'm a bit amazed that a modernized Bronco isn't part of the new light attack aircraft procurement process.
Boeing proposed the OV-10X but it never went anywhere. CIA was flying the OV-10G+ just 5 years ago
I feel like these would be even more vulnerable than the A-10 to modern shoulder launched missiles.
A10 is like a full sized pickup. OV10 is like the small or midsized pickup.
The USAF brought back the Bronco to provide support for SOCOM for a year, but retired it again due to the cost of maintaining ageing aircraft.
@@kschleic9053 The other way around. People involved in the OA-X program knew this would be a criticism raised against turboprops, so at Green Flag exercises the OA-X aircraft were pitted against Marines with Stingers. Allegedly, they couldn't get a lock.
It makes sense. The turbine that powers the prop takes out so much heat from the exhaust, and prop wash itself mixes the exhaust with incoming air. And it is known that after the initial Stinger kills on Soviet helicopters in Afghanistan they responded by changing tactics but also installing diverter plates in the exhaust to help mask the heat signature. Meanwhile their jets were forced to fly higher. Soldiers on the ground jokingly started calling them "cosmonauts" for refusing to fly inside Stinger range.
This was my favorite aircraft when I was in Vietnam. Watched one dive at about 80° strafing with a mini gun, pull up at 80° to gain altitude, loop over and do it again. And again and again and again. Almost felt sorry for the people trying to kill us.
I hope you're doing well.
Fuck em
@@Token_Black_Guy Almost.
Vietnam veteran ! You're the man ! Glad your alive !!!!
@@RightWingNutter almost. Welcome home, sir.
I love these bulky mixed role aircraft for some reason. They are like flying tanks.
Theyre a refreshing break from the standardized coke bottle design of fighter jets
like the A-1 Skyrider
Same. Thing has Warhammer 40K vibes
The A37b wasn't bulky. But it could carry one hell of a load out. It was quite the change when they switched over from the F100d.
@GbbJunkie I'm still amazed by its short wingspan.
I love their engine noise! The Philippine Air Force is still flying these birds. :) Seen them personally in action during Cabatangan Siege 2001 and Zamboanga Crisis 2013.
They also served in The Battle of Marawi. These guys flown many combat sorties in the Philippines even before those I mentioned.
Me, my famliy, relatives survived Zamboanga siege wanna know why?
We haven't heard a single gunfire 😂thank god we were safe
But I heard soon they will get retired when more SuperTucano Arrived
@@Ishikawa745 In small numbers
The California fire service still operates 15 Broncos as command aircraft.
@@goodday126 I just saw one a couple days ago.
Give us attack helicopters!
- You can't have any.
- Well, give us a fixed wing attack helicopter then.
Surprisingly, he hasn't done a documentary on the AH-56 Cheyenne. That was a cool piece of tech.
@@That_Bender indeed!
@@That_Bender helmet mounted HUD in the friggin 60s. Sometimes an overly ambitious project is intimidating to support into production. Easy to consider excessive and to kill the project
@@That_Bender that had the millennium falcon gun seat yes?
@@LoderMike yep!
My USMC Father (RIP) flew these in Vietnam! He loved how it handled and how stable the aircraft was and he always thought it was a "good airplane!" If he was in a high turn all he had to do was take his hands off the controls and Bronco would "right itself" up in level flight. However, he also told me that they were "underpowered" and in Vietnam he had to avoid going down in what he called "Punchbowl Valleys' that had a circular shape. He had friend that got caught in a valley and Bronco engines couldn't generate the power to get out of the valley and the pilot flew the airplane into the valley sidewall trying to get over it. The observer in the back seat managed to eject in time but not the pilot. My Dad visited the observer in the hospital to find out what happened! I always wondered why they just didn't put the same engines in the OV-1 Mohawk as Bronco! The Mohawk had more powerful engines. I have a childhood memory of playing with my Dad's OV-10 wooden model from the squadron, VMO-6, gave him and I managed to break the wings off in 1975 or 76' and he was "pissed off", respectively for "tearing up" one of his wooden models of aircraft he flew in the Corps! He also said that between Vietnam tours, stateside, during an air show a friend of his took his girlfriend up in Bronco and did some aerobatics but he stalled it, could not recover and he got out but his girlfriend did not, she went in with the plane and that ended the common practice then of pilots sometimes bringing their kids and girlfriends for rides in airshows and such during the early to late 1960's.
I was a rigger for VMO-6 at MCAS Futema from ‘74-75. Great aircraft, loved to go up on test hops over Northern Okinawa as the pilot put em thru the paces.
Garrett don't have a very good flat rating. As soon as you were above standard atmosphere 15c/sea level your power dropped off. Later versions had 1100hp/flat rated to 715 so had sea level power to somewhere around 8000'
Sorry to hear of the mishap and death. When I was in I was a parachute rigger and ejection seat mech. Never flew in it for combat. Always for test hops and the pilots would put them through the paces over Northern Okinawa. Flying in the back seat was a blast tough. I was known to have a cast iron stomach. On one test hop I drew one Capt Chandler who took glory in making enlisteds spew the contents of their stomach. We spent an hour over Camp Butler doing loops and other things like shutting down one engine then restart and then the other. So o. The way back to base he took the plane up to around 5000 feet. Then he went over into a steep dive. I watched the altimeter scrolling down. My stomach was fine btw. When we blew past 2000 feet I calmly asked the Capt if he needed help pulling on the stick to pull out of the dive. He chuckled said no then through the plane into its final most violent maneuvers. As we climbed out after landing the Capt asked me how I was doing. I grinned ear to ear said I was doing great and asked when could we go back up. I never drew him again, I broke his record. Peace time fun.
That song came up on Spotify once and it took me a while to figure out what the heck it was about. I'm an airplane nerd and interested in military history but I had to do some figuring. A couple years later and I still can't get enough Dick Jonas. Really good tunes, and very honest.
Badian37 interesting story, thanks for sharing. And isn't it funny how our early childhood memories that stick out the most are of doing something stupid like that? I'm still embarrassed when I think about a couple even though it's long gone.
The Bronco is still being used today as a firefighting spot plan
Yea CalFire uses a bunch of them
Yup, I live in Sacramento, they fly over most days, especially recently.
I am honestly surprised the initial comment wasn’t mentioned in the video.
@@ScottRothsroth0616 same here. I worked with CalFire a few years ago and got to see the OV-10 up close (on the ground and in the air). That was the first thing that came to mind when this video popped up.
I live and work close to the Columbia Air Attack Base, I love seeing and hearing the Air Attack OV-10 flying above
I grew up on Camp Pendleton in the 70's my dad was a Marine, and saw Bronco's almost everyday when driving past the airfield on base.
Still in use (although ready to be retired due to the arrival of the A-29 Super Tucanos) with the Philippine Air Force. They even provided CAS in the 2017 Battle of Marawi which lasted for 5 months.
Sorry for being the asshole but it is stronger than me
VAI BRASIL
@Gen Vuelham the super tucano is a brazilian plane
There was reported incident between Philippines Broncos and Malaysian Mig-29 in their overlapping EEZ. Malaysia conducting drills and Broncos were sent to monitor..... and got "harassed" according to the Philippines.
@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 right now? I’m Malaysian.
@@EmbeddedWithin
Few years ago. When Philippines and PROC were having squabbles prior to the filing of... in the Hague Court of Arbitration.
I used to work with the OV-10s in Korea during the 1970s. It was love at first sight!
As much as I like and read about aircraft, I learned a couple of things.
1.) The Bronco had a rear firing gun, almost like a WWII tailgun.
2.) I never realized they were aircraft carrier capable, but it makes sense though.
I also didn't realize it had that impressive of a kill count in Desert Storm.
Such a cool aircraft!!
the "rear gun" you see in the footage is not a actual rear gun, its a fixed side firing minigun to engage targets while the plane circles the enemy.
kinda like a AC-130
it was only experimental though
@@IronPhysik thought it was an M2 variant.
Gotta correct you on #1: The Bronco never had a rear firing gun.
It had two rear *mounted* gun prototypes however.
The first was the YOV-10D, of which two models were made. It featured a turreted XM197, 20mm cannon, with a head tracking functionality for the gunner. It could shoot to the sides, and forward of the plane, but I am not sure if it could shoot behind the plane at all.
The second version, I don't know if it ever got to the point of getting a type classification, but it had a dual mode "pod" that was tucked into the cargo bay of the aircraft. The 20mm XM197 gun was mounted on an arm, that could either aim to the side, so the OV-10 could circle an area like the AC-47, AC-119, AC-130, etc. Or the gun could be aimed forwards, alongside of the fuselage.
If the Philippines wanted to get in the aircraft carrier game this would be the airplane for it. In fact reverse engineering the OV10 would be a good move for the Philippines aircraft industry. I am sure their are many countries that could use a modern updated Bronco.
She's the only aircraft I know besides the C-130 and that Li'l prop plane from Vietnam who deserves the slogan "Look Ma! No Hooks!!" on the side.
Funny how these great planes keep popping up. They retire them and then it's like "Oppppps, we still need these because of their unique characteristics."
Not really. Decades of low level conflict against poorly equipped insurgents with the odd barely functional actual military thrown in has created a skewed perspective. The A-10 for example, is built around a weapon that is at best dead weight against any remotely capable force. Even in desert storm, the F-16 _handily_ outperformed it in the CAS role, and standoff munitions have only gotten better since. Man portable anti-air has also become better, cheaper, and more widespread in the same period.
@@jsn1252 Says who, the A-10 has been decimating the opposition since it's inception. It's cannon is far from "dead weight" and it's capability a for carrying the latest in smart weapon adds to it. The F-16 is a capable aircraft but lacks the loiter time to be effective at CAS. Only drones can match it's loiter time.
If you remember the same thing happened with the A-1 Skyraider. It’s the reasoning behind the A-10's heavy firepower and tight turning radius. The A-1 & the Bronko are two of my favorite planes of all time. I saw both of these planes in action in Vietnam in 1969.
Also they keep trying to "retire" the A10 Warthog, but the forces wnat to keep them flying. What would you replace it with...??
@@androidemulator6952 I've seen nothing that has the capabilities of the A-10. The F-35 sure won't do it.
The OV-10 Bronco is to the AH-64 Apache, what the C-130 is to the CH-47 Chinook.
I was thinking a precursor to the A-10 Wart hog.
hi maithis!
What? Your point is?
@@ericbrammer2245 o
are you gonna build this? :D
One of the coolest prop planes ever made.
I'm actually surprised, considering how rugged, durable, and versatile these were, that these haven't taken off as second hand bush planes. Their chassis looks like it could easily fit the role of moving mail and supplies in the Alaskan/Canadian frontier.
Fire service in Cali had some, but I think got sold to some Asian nation.
@@jamesbrown5262 6 or some in actual combat. but its reallly funky. electrics die when it wants
@@robert-h2x So you say this plane had issues with the electric systems.
@@jamesbrown5262 well ours considering they are 40 50 years old. i dont know about other planes
The Air Force actually put one of the prototypes on floats. Made an amazing float plane but made it useless as a jungle attack aircraft
I wish there was some references to Cal Fire's usage today, they currently operate and maintain a fleet of 12-15 OV-10's
I grew up during the Vietnam war. In fact, my dad was in the Marine Corps and was deployed there out of Pendleton in 1965. I remember how busy the base was with all the war related activity. I regulary witnessed ships on the horizon with hueys flying out and back to them and buses full of Marines headed to San Diego to board troop transports to Hawaii, the Phillipines, Okinawa or directly to VN. Everyday I witness squadrons of hueys in the skies over Oceanside and vicinity. However, the most memorable aircraft to me was seeing the daily flights of OV-10 Broncos flying out of Pendleton in a step climb. I thought they were awesome aircraft! Thanks for posting.
Amazing aircraft, flying out of Danang they used to support special forces in cross border operations along the trail, saved many lives.
Do tell us more.
oh wow. i live in da nang right now. i wonder if they have any on display around here.
@@mrrolandlawrence I saw quite a few Cessna's on display in Vietnam, the Bird dog & the Jet, ground attack A37 but no Bronco's, I don't think the US left any of these & I never heard of any SV trained in their use.
@@Wolfsschanze99 says in vid that SV had them.
Same here Roland, Saigon & Hanoi have awesome war museum's, I'm not sure if the US left any Bronco's, they did leave the Bird dogs & A37's.
My father served as crew chief for the ov-10 bronco in vietnam at Bien HOA air base he always bragged about the dependability and ruggedness of the bronco
Philippines still uses this. They're very effective despite their age.
THEY GOT SOLD BACK AND THEY NO LONGER HAVE THEM WE HAVE THEM AND THEY ARE IN OPERATIONS AGAISNT BAD FOLKS IN SYRIA FYI
@@couchfighter lol we do still have them they participate recently in Joint airpatrol in WestMincom
@@couchfighter SPEAK UP! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
@@johnhunt2390 LOL.
@@couchfighter WTF THIS IS NECESSARY TO PUT SOME CAPS LOCK
The thumbnail gave me instant flashbacks to Desert Storm. Trying to sleep while listening to them running their engines down on the flight line usually ended in dreams of being chased by lawnmowers. That's what the sound of their engines reminded me of.
The OV-10 Bronco still to this day exceed most all requirements for tactical low conflict close air-support. They should never have been retired, and should be built once more.
Yep worked on OV-10s in Osan 76-77. Loaded many a rocket, gun and flair in those days. I remember all of them had little round patches riveted from battle scars in Vietnam.
I see an OV-10 almost daily. I live in the Sierras and CDF uses one out of the Grass Valley airport as a fast spotter on potential forest fires. Unique sound on the twin turbo-props on a lightweight airframe. ....and right on queue, it just flew over Coyote Hill heading towards Grass Valley.
They are pretty loud. I dont even get up to look anymore, very distinct sound.
Hi neighbor!
Yep, I was going to add that they’re still in use as fire spotters out here in the sweat. Yet another 95949’er here.
"Ugly stumpy bastard", my dad flew one of these from 1968 to 1972 in Vietnam. He said they used to call it "The Ugly Stumpy Bastard". Hes telling me that they would come in on a 75° negative dive with half flaps to go as slow as possible and dump all there ordnance on one spot, the troops they were supporting would call it in as a "daisy cutter" when they knew there were Broncos in the sky and something absolutely positively needed to be destroyed. I showed him this video and he lit up like a yule tree lol.
Saw a pair of these dog fighting over a bomb dump in Germany. We stopped working and laid back on the berm wall to watch the show. They chased each other across the sky for a good 30 minutes. Best air show I ever saw!
In 1987 I was on a Det at NAS Fallon. We were marking targets for a carrier air wing qualifying on CAS. There
I met a Marine Chief Warrant Officer named Guy Hunter. He had been in Broncos in Vietnam and shot down there.
Fast forward to Jan 1991. He and the squadron commander were shot down by what was probably an SA-7 in the early days of the air war. He survived and retired in 1992.
I'd love to see a modernized version - even 6 decades later, the concept is very well thought-out and IMHO still up-to-date!!
I’d be curious how well gun pods would work on an MQ-9.
In many cases these could have been more suitable than the use of A10’s which could not stay on hand as long.
@@alohathaxted fuel consumption is something i didnt think about.
They could hang out and get picky about their targets but their response time will be slower.
Once had a OV-10 fly down through a cut along the finger of a mountain that I had a Stinger Air Defense site set up on. The pilot was maybe 40 yards away and apparently thought it was funny flying so close to us that he flipped us 'the Bird' as he flew past. Flew that thing across the valley then stood it on it's tail and slew straight up a vertical cliff. Hell of a pilot in one hell of an airplane. Was a great training op.
These were a very common sight around Camp Lejeune back in the early 1990s. Of all the military aircraft that I grew so accustomed to seeing, I never got bored watching these little planes maneuver on strafing runs, or even performing airdrops of small special ops teams.
I was a crew chief on these OV-10s at NKP Thailand 70-72. Flew in them also.... awesome little bird!!
Me too crew chief NKP 74-75
I grew up in Barstow, CA, and OV-10's from Ft. Irwin would often be overhead, couldn't miss their distinct sound. The pilots would always be showing off - loops, rolls, split-"s"....They were so cool...
Thanks for upload. OV-10 is such underrated and overseen piece of great versatile machinery.
I trained to work CAS ( Close Air Support) with the mighty Bronco in the 80’s. They were awesome destruction dealers Danger Close during the Narco Wars in Central America.
This aircraft is still kicking ass in the Battle of Marawi
Where and what is that?
@@gwydionrusso3206 in philippines in 2017 battle against a maute terrorist
@@3nglehart thank you
It’s also in CAL FIRE’s fleet
VMO-4 was based near my house until early 90's. I used to see these flying around all the time when I was a kid.
I was a crew chief on OV-10s in Korea and Arizona. Even got a ride in one once. It's a great little plane. It's kinda like the "Yugo" of tactical aviation.
One of the most extensive use of OV10 Bronco was by Indonesian military during its military campaign in East Timor (1975 - 1997). There OV10 Bronco proved very effective and deadly against guerilla war, Indonesia had 16 OV10s at the time
I remember in Germany in the early 80’s they were still teamed up with A-10’s, one to spot, the other to kill. It was cool to see them both flying in and out of the same base.
I was stationed at Sembach AB from 83 to 89 and remember the OV10s, A10s, CH53s, then the EF111ss and EC130s. OV10 were used by Mobile TACS and FACPs, TACPs.
Yep, I was a kid at Sembach AFB in Germany from 75-81, and the OV-10 and A-10’s were always flying around.
@@zx11rider1 I was there from 79-81, then we moved to W. Berlin. I missed the heavy flight traffic there was at Sembach once we got to Berlin.
To this very day I have on the wall a framed picture poster of 2 OV-10's flying in formation over the jungle in Vietnam. My father, retired Air Force, was in South Vietnam late '68 to late '69 repairing shot up Caribou short field cargo/transport aircraft. It was given to him by a grateful OV-10 pilot that showed up at the base needing emergency repairs and my father helped him get back in the air again.
I never knew about the OV-10 despite growing up during the Vietnam war era.
Thank you for showing this. It’s was an important history lesson.
It was a rarer, lesser well known plane
The ability to linger over a target and not run out of "gas" is the benefit prop/turbo-prop aircraft bring to the battle front, compared with jets. Vietnam proved this in a big way.
Hard to beat an ever useful plane such as the Bronco.
The Marine Corps had OV-10 Broncos on Futenma Iar Base in 1974. While on guard duty I was able to take a close look at this plane.
The design: Drawing around a ruler and an eraser for the wing shapes ✏️
When living in NIceville, FL (near Eglin AFB) in the mid to late 1960's, our neighbor across the street (Captain Carr) was a pilot of the OV-10 in Vietnam. One of the nicest guy anyone would get to know, sadly one day we saw an Air Force officer with a Chaplain arrive at their front door. We immediately knew what that meant. He got shot down while on a mission over South Vietnam. Left behind a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids, a daughter & son.
It just feels like the A-10's little brother...awesome CAS plane.
If A-10's the AFV, this would the technical.
The older but shorter brother.
@@NareshSinghOctagon i remember the video i once watch the oldest brother was like 5'9 and the youngest was like 6'10
Thanks. Great story. I'm a retired Marine artillery officer. I was sorry when the Marines ditched the OV-10 in the early 1990s without a suitable replacement for use as a FAC Airborne, or for adjusting artillery. Glad to here they we resurrected for the COIN fight against ISIS.
I want to know more about the 2 marines that designed this
Beer and whiskey designed this.
🤣
We used to get high cover from Black Ponies when we hauled fuel and ammo in the Mekong Delta. Sometimes we had Cobras as well. A-10's could light up VC AO's in a couple of passes. Charlie rarely messed with us with Broncos around. I loved to watch them do their thing.
Thank you Dark Skies for another fine airborne weapon system doc. The OV-10 Bronco reminds me, along w/the Super Tweet, of a precursor to the A-10. In any case, wow, the OV-10 was amazing: versatile, rugged, inexpensive, STOL capable, independently developed, deadly and, well, very cool. And used in the Gulf War and vrs ISIS? Amazing.
I am a US Marine veteran of Vietnam of 1969. I saw the Bronko in action many times. They were very welcome in the skies when Charlie was close and there was no one else close to help.
Helicopters are too slow and vulnerable. Not good for response times. And rotor is a big weakness.
Big planes are too big and expensive and sometimes too fast. Require a big budget.
OV-10 Bronco is in the middle, better than helicopters and cheaper than big planes, and good to deliver firepower and a proper speed.
Am I wrong?
@@josepablolunasanchez1283 no not at all. I think that is what I said.
I remember as a child, I enjoyed watching the OV-10’s flying over our home near MCAS, New River. It and the A-10 were my favorite aircraft, along with the “ Huey”.
I liked them all but I never see anybody talking about MY ch-46
The OV-10s were in use by the USAF during the 1980's - the 22nd TASS (Tactical Air Support Squadron) at Wheeler Field flew them when I was stationed at Hickam.
My unit at Shaw AFB (507th TAIRCW) was the last USAF unit to fly the OV-10. I was a crew chief and these were an easy aircraft to maintain. The only hassle was having to adjust the engine for torque when the seasons changed. We were also the last US Military unit to fly the O-2 Skymaster prior to getting the OV-10s from Korea and Hawaii.
I was on those same airplanes at Osan, Korea from '76-'78. AR Shop/Crash Recovery. Fun to work on. Except the landing gear handle bungee. What a pain to change that was!
The OV-10 is what is needed now. These things can be taken apart and repaired with basic tools by average infantry personnel. It can be broken apart. crated. and shipped anywhere in the world as needed. The plane can be an assault aircraft, a cargo craft that included to carry troops. This craft was incredibly versatile. I've seen these things at a army/naval base. We need these types of planes that are simple, rugged and easy to maintain and to use.
I really like seeing these in the white and red CAL livery guiding the DC-10 and 747 supertanker in on a fire drop run. I also like the ‘bird dog’ designation given to them.
"Bird Dog" was the little, one engine Cessnas. Just as rugged, and durable.
@@coolgyger yes I know about the scout/observation/utility Cessna and piper cub planes, but I am referring the nick name given to the OV-10 Broncos and other spotter aircraft when they lead the larger water bombers in over the drop target. The small Cessnas are to small and slow for that role.
@@americanrambler4972 I saw them a couple years ago coordinating the firefight of a fire 1/2 to 1 mile east of my place. For hours the CalFire Bronco's a a couple of helo's fought the fire. Couldnt see the firemen on the ground but they did a great job.
The image was even better cause the afternoon westerlies kept the smoke away from us and as the sun lowered to the west horizon the clouds were lit up. Luckily the fire did not cause much damage.
while in VN waiting for a unit assignment I went to the Air Force side and bummed a ride for a combat mission. Since I was a Cobra helo pilot and just getting in country, the Bronco pilot let me go with - was there to learn the area of operations (AO) and the 'lay of the land' - was an exciting flight. That bird is a real kick in the buns!
i served with the 27th marines in Nam .only there a couple weeks outside of DA Nang and we were in a fire fight near our firebase from a tree line,when across our front a Bronco swept in left to right guns blazing tearing up the tree line..then nothing! One of the most wild things i've ever seen,besides Puff the magic dragon hosing down an enemy position in front of us..
I was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the Gulf War. We ferried a squadron of OV-10s across the pond on our flight deck. Just off the coast of Italy we launched them off the flight deck without catapults just like in WWII.
Thank you very much for making a Bronco video!
i didn't know it was homebuilt and then sold to North American! That is the American spirit, right there!
When I was in Germany with the USAF in 1979 TDY at 601st Wing Sembach AB had OV-10 Broncos there. There was an accident with one of them during an engine test run-up. An aircraft mechanic was under the port engine checking it when the engine lost oil pressure and exploded. The pilot could not get out of the aircraft due to the fuel fire by the cockpit. The mechanic was pulled away from the fire with minor injuries and the pilot had to wait inside the cockpit for the fire department to put out the fire before he could egress safely. Why did I remember this? Because it was the new Wing (King) Commander's first day just after the Change of Command ceremonies.
If only OJ had this Bronco
He could have taken off from the highway in it!
🤣😂
Ahahaha!!@
Oh yeah much higher kill count...
I mean he's innocent...
🤣
@@thinkaboutiteh9343 “If the warplane doesn’t fit, we _must_ acquit…"
My two strongest memories of seeing OV-10s are seeing a pair of USMC Broncos fly over my head on Oahu back in the 80s (I was young so I was stoked) and about 3 years ago watching a CalFire OV-10 through binocs work a fire in the Santa Cruz Mtns.
Absolutely one of my favorite OV series. Always been a fan of the twin boom design like the P 38 lightning. Purpose built and hard-hitting. She served very well with the Marines and Air Force
I remember talking to NVA Officers who after the war moved to the U.S. and began civilian lives here in CA. back in 1982 helping us in forest fire fighting duties, they all to a man feared one plane over any other during the last years of the Vietnam conflict that was the OV-10 BRONCO, funny as we all depended on this plane and its crew to save us from huge wildfires 10 years later, got to love the irony!
Great video! I remember the black ponies from my tour in VN at Solid Anchor in '71. Fascinating little "do everything" aircraft!! Thanks
After graduating Airborne School in 1992, my unit was slatted to jump with Recon and ANGLICO Marines. They canked our order because they had a hung jumper and messed up the rotation. CAL dept of Fire and Forest Fire (Cal Fire) has 12 OV-10 used for spotting fires.
I like how he always delivers his 20 minutes videos in 10minutes.
Saw those in Dian. We traded rockets with them. We wanted Willy Peter, they wanted 17lb warheads. Great guys. Awesome airplane
I remember flying them (very low) over our sky back in the late seventies/early eighties.
Always a sight!
Did you happen to be stationed at Shaw AFB, SC?
@@sullyway51 Oh, no, I live in Germany. They were a pretty common sight here back then. Later on you could even observe whole packages during excercises (A-10s, AH-1s, Wild Weasel F4´s and F-15 flying the CAP). Was very interesting.
(Same for F-111 flying low-level interdictions etc etc)
I found this excellent video going down a rabbit hole of the "good old days.". I'm a retired USN photographer with 3 tours at Combat Camera. I first came across an OV-10 when I was documenting NGFS trials for the New Jersey back in '87-'88. We spent about a week at San Clemente, where the gunnery range was. After 3 days on the New Jersey, filming the big guns, I spent the rest of the time filming the OV-10 which was being used for spotter operations during the trials. Amazing little aircraft with a history I learned from the pilots while there, and I've always been impressed by its capabilities. I seem to recall some stories(mid-'90's?) about a couple OV-10s being used for counter-insurgencies somewhere in South America. I'm fuzzy on the details, I was just pleased to see that the plane was still being used, as it's one of my favorites, up there with the F-4 Phantom, which I used to photograph on USS Midway my first tour. I'm glad to hear that it's still being used in some capacity even today.
I once met an Australian Vietnam Veteran who claimed he flew these and said to me they were an excellent close support aircraft to the infantry! He said the fact the were a bit slower than the jet aircraft at the time meant they could be more precise with their targeting and therfore more accurate though their speed made them more susceptible to ground fire he said they were very robust and could take the enemy fire well!!
I was stationed in the Mekong Delta when I was in Vietnam. We ran fuel and ammo to various LZ's and firebases along the river and it's tributaries. We were often escorted by the Black Ponies as well as Huey Cobras and Navy PBRs. We rarely had trouble with VC except for occasional harassment. We had lost a couple of LCM 8's and several dead soldiers. The OV 10 was our little buddy that would watch over us and they could wipe out any enemy in a couple of passes.
I had a model of one of these, back in the day.
I still think it's what you get if you mate a shy, gentle, Cessna Skymaster with a manly A10 Warthog.
Use to see these guy when I was stationed in Germany. They were stationed at sembach air base in Germany about 20 miles from Ramstein air base. Love to se them flying around different type of plane.
This and the a10 are simple and user friendly... that is the reason they keep showing up in the skies!
Also, simple and user friendly are why they have so many enemies. Cheap aircraft are a threat to those who stand to make much more money from complex, expensive designs
My dad, Told me things about this aircraft that most would not believe. He worked on them in Vietnam and taught school at Camp Pendleton for them. My dad retired 16 March, 1976 from the USMC. He's guarding the streets of heaven now and watching these birds fly.
Never heard of this one, thanks. Practicality and simple design (by experienced soldiers) over government bureaucracy to produce a mission specific air frame to aid the boots on the ground. You gotta love it.
I was in love with these things. I was a grunt in northern Thailand in '74. Broncos were our comm link and air support. They could linger on station for ever. Slow and very accurate fire support. Saved my ass a couple of times.
I maintained these in Viet Nam. Amazing was that compared to nearly all the other aircraft flying, this one had such great outward visibility. Fast and sleek does not always fit the bill.
Picked up 2 Bronco engines at auction in Texas and sold them to the Cactus Air Force near Carson City Nevada. They were flying one Bronco at the time. Was proud to help keep their OV-10 operational.
I remember seeing this aircraft in an isolated coastal airfield in Cornwall U.K. It has always been a favourite of mine, mainly due to its rarity in the U.K. During the 1980's a radar early warning station was set up on the north Cornish coast and during its calibration many unusual aircraft were spotted in the area, both British and NATO/OTAN.
The USAF did not retire their OV-10 aircraft until 1989. They were at Osan AB, Korea and George AFB, CA to target spot for fast jets in conjunction with USAF FAC's assigned to the US Army.
The old "I thought of this in my backyard, then built it there, plan, eh?". What a cool concept.
While stationed in Subic back in 76, my magazines issued tons of rockets and ammo to the Marine squadrons that trained there.
Still in use (with a wider wingspan) as spotters / attack coordination for wild land fire suppression.
The OV-10 Bronco is one of those few aircraft that should never have been retired!
It’s just to good at what it did!
The coolest factoid I know about the OV-10 is that you can use the propblast of one OV-10 directly in front of another OV-10 to airstart the engine.
Yeager’s pilots would use that technique in Germany with F-86s.
Yes, you could, but it was easier to use jumper cables from one Bronco to another, like an automobile uses.
Watched them while on a DesEx in 29 palms stunt and work over a target area with rockets and guns, quite a sight! Must have been fun to fly.
It’s a mini A-10 warthog. We can call it the piglet.
i'd tell you to take that to the pentagon, but the idea makes to much sense.
I was thinking the same thing. The first thing I thought when I saw it was that it looks like it was the inspiration for the A-10. Really cool aircraft! Some top brass don't want to keep the A-10. So it's no surprise the OV-10 has been removed from inventory. This would be an awesome aircraft for bush pilots.
A-10 warthog is jet, Ov-10 is propeller...
Hog Lite.
Pig premium and pig lite
Worked on these back in the late 70's when I was in the Marines VMO-4 Dobbins AFB. They were like a pissed off wasp. We had Cobras too. Seriously cool shit for a young jar head to work on. - Semper Fi
Also, got to see the very first F18 Hornet delivered to the Navy when I was at North Island. That was either in '78 or '79. Later on while working at Locheed in Marietta I was sent down to Titusville to work on Discovery in the fall of '85 right before Challenger disaster.
Trusty Bronco still in service with our Air Force. Wish they'll have extended service alongside our Super Tucanos
My dad was a FAC flying out of Thailand for AF. He said it was an amazing aircraft to fly! He loved it! Very tough. It got shot up but he was never hurt and never downed!