The OV-10 Bronco is a unique airplane in military aviation. An Observation/Light Attack aircraft, the Bronco served for decades and was especially effective in Counterinsurgency or COIN operations. Learn about the development, operational history, and interesting features of this flying horse.
source.image(PrtSc): PilotPhotog
The OV-10 has a central nacelle containing pilots and cargo, and twin booms containing twin turboprop engines. The visually distinctive feature of the aircraft is the combination of the twin booms, with the horizontal stabilizer that connects them. Watch the video from PilotPhotog:
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[6] without using catapults or arresting wires.
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The bottom of the fuselage bore sponsons or “stub wings” that improved flight performance by decreasing aerodynamic drag underneath the fuselage. The sponsons were mounted horizontally on the prototype. Testing caused them to be redesigned for production aircraft; the downward angle of the sponsons on production models ensured that stores carried on the sponsons jettisoned cleanly.
