The Bronco was designed to meet a requirement of the US Marine Corps for an armed reconnaissance aircraft. The prototype first flew in 1965 followed by the first production version, the OV-10A, in 1967. Examples of the OV-10A were ordered by the US Marine Corps (114) and the USAF (157). Other versions included the OV-10B (6 built) target tugs, the OV-10B(Z) (18 built) target tugs and the OV-10D (17 converted) which were conversions of existing OV-10A’s for night observation duties. The OV-10A saw service in the Vietnam War and the OV-10D in the Gulf War. The Bronco was retired from US military service in 1994 and a small number have found their way onto the US civil register as fire spotters.

F-AZKM                   c/n 338-9                        USA

2 seat COIN aircraft first flown in 1965

Engines: 2x 715shp(533kW) Garrett T76-G-10                                                                               Length: 41’7"(12.67m)                                                                                        Height: 15’2"(4.62m)Wingspan: 40’0"(12.19m)                                                                                               No.built: 271 Range: 750miles(1206km)                                                             Cruising speed: 200mph(321kmh) Empty weight: 6893lb(3127kg)                                           Maximum take-off weight: 14,444lb(6552kg)

North American (Rockwell) OV-10A Bronco Side view 1/144 scale

Side view 1/108 scale