The OV-10 Bronco: Designed by Marines, Built for COIN Ops

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  • čas přidán 7. 05. 2024
  • 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.
    Get a limited edition collector quality 1/30 scale Bronco model by visiting these links, use promo code youtube for 5% off:
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    Credits/Attributions:
    "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
    Department of Defense
    Northrop Grumman
    Lockheed Martin
    Boeing
    Raytheon
    Pratt & Whitney
    General Electric
    German OV-10 Bronco: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    3D animations are produced by me, Tog. Some Scenes were made using Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) You can download it for free here:
    www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/
    Bronco OV-10 mod used: splitair.gumroad.com/l/fwzxn
    Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of the DOD, any government or company, now you know!
    - Tog
    #OV10 #Bronco #COIN

Komentáře • 633

  • @PilotPhotog
    @PilotPhotog  Před měsícem +28

    Use promo code CZcams to get 5% off any model on the Thomas Gunn website, you can see the full range of models here: www.jumpthegunn.co.uk/

    • @aking-plums6985
      @aking-plums6985 Před 25 dny +4

      Great video as usual.
      Daft question, how much input do pilots have when new planes are being designed?

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 25 dny +3

      @@aking-plums6985 thank you and my guess is that pilots get involved at some point in the process. Especially test pilots.

    • @barryborton6732
      @barryborton6732 Před 24 dny +5

      Bien Hoa pronounced Ben Wah

  • @dogfightdiary5712
    @dogfightdiary5712 Před 28 dny +196

    On a day patrol off Hill 55 in early 1971, our squad of Marines got caught out in an open area of sand and were pinned down on the opposite side of the Arizona Territory at the Song Vu Gia river by an NVA ambush. The arty on hill 55 almost hit us with Willie Peter. I called for air support and got an OV-10 out of Da Nang with the callsign "HOSTAGE FANG." After he understood what side of the river we were on, he said, "Put your heads down, gents. This stuff bounces." He then proceeded to blast that side of the river and after that we were able to walk away without another hostile shot being fired at us. Brother, if you are out there and see this, many thanks. I will never forget. L/Cpl. P. D. "Gov" Regan, Mco 3/1 1st MARDIV. 👍

  • @leolyon2373
    @leolyon2373 Před 23 dny +63

    My brother Leon served two tours in Vietnam in the back seat of an 0V10. Unfortunately, he and his pilot were killed in South Korea, in 1978, while on deployment. Thank you for for remembering. Rest in peace Lt. Leon Gingras.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 23 dny +5

      Rest in peace Lt. Leon Gingras and thank you for sharing

    • @BillyJ244
      @BillyJ244 Před 19 dny +4

      I'm sorry for the loss of your brother. May he rest in peace. God bless all of the veterans.

    • @kennethbrooks4425
      @kennethbrooks4425 Před 16 dny +1

      RIP to your Warrior brother.

    • @leolyon2373
      @leolyon2373 Před 16 dny +2

      @@kennethbrooks4425 Thank you on behalf of my brother and my family.

    • @raisingcaine5480
      @raisingcaine5480 Před hodinou

      I worked for your Brother Leon (Lee) in Maintenance Control and on the Flight Line as a Plane Captain 74-75 in VMO-2 at Camp Pendleton before leaving for OCS and eventually becoming a Naval Aviator, for which Lee was instrumental in helping me get accepted to the Enlisted Commissioning Program (Aviation). He was a mentor to me. Was in A-6 training with another former VMO-2 Pilot who knew Lee very well, Don Bruey, when we received word of his accident, and boy was that a shock. He was a CWO when I worked for him. A shock as well to see your post here! RIP Leon Gingras.

  • @simtalkayak
    @simtalkayak Před měsícem +137

    So.. am I the only one that thinks that utilitarian vehicles are aesthetically pleasant ?

    • @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm
      @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm Před 28 dny +4

      No!
      🙈🙉🙊 😎 🇺🇸

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +13

      Not at all, I think the OV-10 is a beautiful airplane and very much enjoyed making this video - thanks for commenting!

    • @donrush5311
      @donrush5311 Před 24 dny +5

      Nope. My favorite plane for most of my life was the DC-3/C47.

    • @michaelslack4937
      @michaelslack4937 Před 21 dnem +2

      Nope

    • @bobverick
      @bobverick Před 19 dny +5

      A-10, OV-10, A-29 are all beautiful aircraft.

  • @TheUsmc0802
    @TheUsmc0802 Před měsícem +117

    I promise you, no one has forgotten about the bronco!!!!

    • @brianb-p6586
      @brianb-p6586 Před 27 dny +4

      I don't know how it could be forgotten... I can't go a week without seeing OV-10 Bronco videos in my CZcams suggestions and posts in by Facebook feed.

    • @jerrymclean8075
      @jerrymclean8075 Před 21 dnem

      Im glad they are bringing back the videos on the OV-10! They need to bring it back!! and live by the words if its not broke then dont fix it !​@@brianb-p6586

    • @giantfactory
      @giantfactory Před 18 dny +2

      I haven't. Then again, I never even knew about it till now...

    • @whyjnot420
      @whyjnot420 Před 18 dny

      As shown by another reply, it is simply unknown by some people and you can't forget what you never knew. A lot of people. I get why. As awesome as it looks to anyone who knows what it is for, it really isn't anywhere near as sexy as an A-10 or AH-64 or really any other attack style platform. Not when a person is making some video that just needs something catchy (youtube, tv, streaming, doesn't matter, anything even just some random website).
      Especially once you get things that are so ludicrously iconic as brrrrrrrrrrrt.

    • @TexanUSMC8089
      @TexanUSMC8089 Před 17 dny +1

      Semper Fi. I saw Ov-10's flying in the 80's. It was always fun watching how maneuverable they were.

  • @higgs923
    @higgs923 Před měsícem +104

    I had the privilege of serving with VAL-4, the Black Ponies, in 1971-'72. The OV-10 still has a place in my affection. It was the most willing little aircraft.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před měsícem +8

      My thanks to you for your service, and the highest praise I can ever receive is from individuals such as yourself who were there and served with these incredible machines.

    • @dogfightdiary5712
      @dogfightdiary5712 Před 28 dny +7

      I salute you, sir. Semper Fi! 👍

    • @fearless_ambassador_ambo
      @fearless_ambassador_ambo Před 27 dny +5

      From the son of a HAL-3 Seawolf - thanks for your service. My pop was there at Binh Thuy at roughly the same time.

    • @AlistairGale
      @AlistairGale Před 26 dny +1

      @@dogfightdiary5712 don’t you get tired of saluting the military industrial complex?

    • @pablopeter3564
      @pablopeter3564 Před 26 dny +3

      Thanks for your service Sir. Greetings from Mexico City.

  • @willdavis7966
    @willdavis7966 Před 28 dny +57

    The Bronco is not forgotten... Only improperly utilized. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

    • @doughoward6401
      @doughoward6401 Před 20 dny +1

      Saw one do a zippy run in Vietnam!!! Never forget it !!! Loved it .

    • @CorePathway
      @CorePathway Před 12 dny

      Sure seems like they would have been perfect in A-Stan.

    • @johnarnold893
      @johnarnold893 Před 12 dny

      @@CorePathway Maybe not since the Afghans had Manpads which the Cong didn't.

    • @CorePathway
      @CorePathway Před 11 dny

      @@johnarnold893 well, it’s a drone world now

    • @iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145
      @iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 Před 5 dny +1

      Red Bull would have some use for it. Or National STOL Championship...

  • @BMF6889
    @BMF6889 Před měsícem +58

    I was a US Marine platoon commander in Vietnam 1968-1969 and the OV-19 occasionally supported us by controlling airstrikes on enemy positions that were difficult for us to observe from our ground positions. Loved when an OV-10 was overhead.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +4

      Thank you for your service, Marine! My father was US Army 66-68, you were there during the thick of it. I am glad the OV-10 helped you and your fellow Marines on the ground and your comment - from someone who was there - is the very best kind of feedback I can get.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +1

      Thank you for your service, Marine! My father was US Army 66-68, you were there during the thick of it. I am glad the OV-10 helped you and your fellow Marines on the ground and your comment - from someone who was there - is the very best kind of feedback I can get.

    • @henriyoung3895
      @henriyoung3895 Před 21 dnem +4

      WELCOME HOME.
      SGT DOUG, RECON, 101ST, RVN 68-69 LZ SALLY

  • @Broticulus
    @Broticulus Před 29 dny +44

    I remember this plane very well. My father worked at North American Aviation in Columbus Ohio and was a wing fabricator for the OV-10 and many many other aircrafts. During the Vietnam War, I was in junior high in 1965 when my father first started mentioning him working on this plane. By the time I reached high school in 1968 as a 15 year old, with cousins, uncle and a brother all fighting in "Nam", I had a lot of interests in the machinery and equipment used to fight that war. I felt proud my Dad was helping to contribute to that effort. I joined the Air Force in 1972 and my father continued his efforts in building aircrafts that helped fight that war.

    • @robkirk6623
      @robkirk6623 Před 27 dny +4

      My father and uncle worked there also. Remember seeing them being built in the high bay area during open house at the plant.

    • @anthonyhayes1267
      @anthonyhayes1267 Před 13 dny

      Did your dad happen to know a man named John Hayes? He was my grandfather and worked there as well.

    • @daveclickenger6748
      @daveclickenger6748 Před hodinou

      I had 2 uncles retired from there during that time. I worked there in the 80's on b1 Lancer. Machinest

  • @hanschristianben505
    @hanschristianben505 Před 28 dny +38

    much thanks for making this video! my dad flew OV-10s for the Philippine Air Force before he honorably left the service to fly as a civilian, and I was able to watch them fly in and out of our home air base almost on a daily basis, and even get to enjoy seeing annual live fire demos 🤩🤩
    the particular plane that bore his name when it first arrived in the PAF fleet (ex USAF 67-14636) is still flying to this day, and has been wired to employ GBU-49 laser JDAMs...
    one of the planes in the PAF fleet that he also flew, ex USAF 67-14639, was actually one of the planes that exchange pilots from the RAAF flew during the Vietnam War, and was one of the air assets employed during the infamous BAT21 CSAR mission...
    after 639 was prematurely retired due to extensive airframe corrosion, the PAF donated the airplane to the Australian War Memorial museum in Canberra, where it was fully restored for display, painted back into the original USAF scheme it wore during the conflict...

  • @backandforthupanddow
    @backandforthupanddow Před 24 dny +22

    Great video, but the comments from vets sharing their personal experiences is pure gold.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +3

      Thank you and to me that’s the best indicator that I did an airplane justice in my videos, I am honored by them sharing their experiences here. Thanks for commenting!

  • @1975KyleDavid
    @1975KyleDavid Před měsícem +52

    I'd love to own one of these for their simplicity. They are truly beautiful.

    • @slartybarfastb3648
      @slartybarfastb3648 Před měsícem +5

      Gotta be fun to fly as well.

    • @MrAjmay1
      @MrAjmay1 Před měsícem +6

      Saw one for sale at Oshkosh 2 years ago.... If I had the kind of "FU money", I would absolutely love one.

    • @bobwilson758
      @bobwilson758 Před 23 dny

      Two buds , traveling in real twin performance ! Wouldn’t that be cool ? Personal urine bottle is necessary -
      Now , if I can get my AV - Nut brother in-law to fork over his half !

    • @bobwilson758
      @bobwilson758 Před 23 dny

      I would think of-10 had AM receiver also - Very handy to catch the game ! 😊

    • @bobwilson758
      @bobwilson758 Před 23 dny +1

      They did more than just mark an area with those w/p rockets !

  • @glenn_r_frank_author
    @glenn_r_frank_author Před měsícem +47

    I have seen the Cal Fire (California's Wild Fire Service) OV-10s acting as aerial spotters and guide planes for the larger water tanker planes which drop water and retardant on wildfires here! Love the OV-10... great second life in the fire-fighting role!

    • @danmiller7079
      @danmiller7079 Před 21 dnem +5

      My wife and I were driving through Hemet, Ca. the other day when we saw a CalFire OV-10 Bronco taking off from Hemet airport. She asked me what kind of plane it was and I said “That’s an OV-10 Bronco, one of the best planes the Corps used during Vietnam”. I was a L/CPL aboard Camp Hansen Okinawa from 3/75 to 4/76 and had OV-10s flying over our training all the time. We even had a couple land on the USS New Orleans (LPH-11) when we were at sea. They were some cowboys for sure. I saw those boys push that plane around like nothin. Uhrahhhh! Semper Fi!

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 Před 18 dny +2

      Hearing one circling the area around my home with, S-2ATs nearby, is an attention getter in the summer. But sure glad the CAL FIRE air attack bse base is only 5 miles away

    • @schmittbox7616
      @schmittbox7616 Před 15 dny

      When CalFire switched from the O-2 Skymaster to the Bronco, our Air Attack Officers’ biggest complaint was that they would arrive over the fire scene before they had time to get their maps out.

    • @coser293
      @coser293 Před 8 dny

      ​@schmittbox7616 My uncle had a civilian skymaster. Haven't seen anybody talk about it besides an O-2 being at the Dayton Air Force Museum in one of the hanging displays. Always gives me joy seeing someone mention it so they're not completely forgotten

  • @mrico523
    @mrico523 Před měsícem +35

    COIN is the least of our worries since we've found out that the age of full-scale war is back. That being said, the Bronco was an awesome piece of kit 😁

    • @sambojinbojin-sam6550
      @sambojinbojin-sam6550 Před měsícem +5

      I don't know. It wouldn't take much to have shaped radio jammers on it, just crashing UAVs out of the sky.
      There's better platforms for that, but if push came to shove, the Bronco might ride again in some role.

  • @FlightSimHistorian
    @FlightSimHistorian Před měsícem +27

    We have three Broncos at the museum where I work (including one of the original factory mock-ups), one of which is painted in memory of Captain Steven Bennett, the only Bronco pilot to be a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +2

      Thanks for commenting, what museum? I'd love to visit and see a real-life OV-10

    • @FlightSimHistorian
      @FlightSimHistorian Před 21 dnem +6

      Fort Worth Aviation Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

  • @Yuki_Ika7
    @Yuki_Ika7 Před měsícem +25

    i adore the OV-10, one of my favorite planes of the Vietnam war era

  • @AlbertSantoso
    @AlbertSantoso Před měsícem +19

    Growing up in Indonesia, I love the OV-10 Bronco. It was one of the first aircrafts I learnt about. Thank you for making this video.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +2

      Thank you, very happy that you enjoyed my video.

  • @secondhandlyon2603
    @secondhandlyon2603 Před měsícem +30

    The OV-10 to me is one of the most interesting aircraft designs ever.

  • @wrightflyer7855
    @wrightflyer7855 Před 19 dny +3

    While stationed at Ubon Thailand in 1971 I decided to spend my day off at NKP, just to check out the arrivals and departures. Besides the always impressive Caribou, one hotshot OV-10 pilot did a fast downwind, then with wings almost vertical turned base and final over the end of the runway, hit the deck and stopped on a dime. It was the best carrier landing I've ever seen.

  • @robertweldon7909
    @robertweldon7909 Před měsícem +33

    I just happen to be one of the Navy Aviation Ordnance men (AO) who worked on the OV -10 (I was assigned to VS-41) when the first 2 Broncos were delivered (air frame numbers 155470 and 155472) to the Navy. I don't think that there is an AO who worked on Bronco's that did not enjoy the experience.
    VAL- 4 went on to be the best known OV-10 squadron, I am proud to have been a small part in their history.
    The Navy still has an OV-10. 155472 now lives at the Navy Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida. I don't know if this is still true, but 155470 was at one time used for mosquito suppression in, I believe, the coastal area of South Carolina, as it was, minus the M-60's.
    Very nice video, ;-)

    • @higgs923
      @higgs923 Před 27 dny +2

      Spent some time in VS-41 FRAMP on my way to Vietnam. You folks did a great job. It was fun for me because I finally was able to work on a Stoof.

    • @robertweldon7909
      @robertweldon7909 Před 27 dny +1

      When were you there? I was at VS-41 1/1967 thou 9/1969

    • @longrider42
      @longrider42 Před 26 dny +4

      But them Skeeters down there are pretty big, might want them guns back :)

    • @robertweldon7909
      @robertweldon7909 Před 25 dny +1

      @@longrider42 very funny

    • @stevengilbert3530
      @stevengilbert3530 Před 10 dny +1

      I can confirm that the OV-10 is currently used in South Carolina. A bit unnerving the first time it came over at what seemed like a very low altitude- the county (Beaufort) lets people know when it will be operating.

  • @thegeneral5716
    @thegeneral5716 Před 23 dny +8

    My father was a Mustang & served 26 yrs in the Corps (Enlisted at 17 & was a B.A.R. Gunner in Korea & Retired a Maj after two tours in Vietnam w/ 4th Bat/12th Mar/3rd Mar Div '66-'67 & 4th Bat/11th Mar/1st Mar Div '70-71') and I loved and remember in the late 60's & early 70's him taking us often to watch the Bronco's operating at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Orange County, CA. As we lived at US Navy/USMC Pacific Heights Housing Annex, San Pedro, CA., which now is USAF Housing Annex, Pacific Heights.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 23 dny +1

      Thanks to him for his service - I hope this video brought back some fond memories for you. If I ever start another channel the B.A.R. and John Browning would definitely be a topic I'd explore in a video. Greetings from Texas!

  • @capt2be
    @capt2be Před měsícem +17

    Great piece. Love the ridiculous versatility of the Bronco. Grew up seeing it at a base near my home. Bien Hoa = “Be-in wha” in the north and “Bean wha” in the south.

    • @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm
      @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm Před 28 dny +3

      I always remember hearing "Ben- wah".
      🙈🙉🙊 😎 🇺🇸

    • @capt2be
      @capt2be Před 28 dny +4

      @@GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm Agreed. I think that’s the pronunciation our American troops adopted.

  • @exsanguinenation
    @exsanguinenation Před 24 dny +7

    I always wanted a Bronco. I think it'd make a blast of a civil aircraft.

  • @THEoriginaljmelford
    @THEoriginaljmelford Před 16 dny +2

    I worked on and supervised the maintenance of the OV-10A for 6 years in the U.S.A.F after I transferred from C-130's. Love that plane! easy to work on and always enjoyed wathing the take off and landings. Msgt. USAF retired

  • @densealloy
    @densealloy Před 28 dny +6

    When I was a Camp Pendleton in the early 1990s, it was so cool to see an OV-10 pull up into a climb and see a bunch of Recon Bubba's parachute out the back. Very cool aircraft.

    • @rojoloco3911
      @rojoloco3911 Před 12 dny +1

      Haha awesome! I was in BCo. 1/1 outta Camp Horno 90-96. As I was watching this video I was thinking Jesus I think I remember seeing a couple of these things dropping a couple guys out the back… No maybe I’m making that up?? Then I saw your comment.Semper Fi.

  • @raymondswenson1268
    @raymondswenson1268 Před 29 dny +11

    I worked at US Forces Japan from 1980-1983. In 1982, a flight of two OV-10s was flying in formation from Osan Air Base, Korea to Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the annual Yokota Air Show. As the approached the coast of Jaoan, they ran into thick clouds and the wingman l9st sight of the lead plane. Rather than pull away to ensure separation, the wing pilot got obsessed with switching to instrument flight, allowing his plane to drift too close to the lead plane, his left propeller cutting the right tail.boom of the lead plane. The lead plane came apart, pitching nose down. The pilot hit the ejection seats, but in that odd attitude the parachute for the passenger (a TSgt maintenance crew member being rewarded for outstanding performance) got wrapped around the ejection rocket of his seat and.burned up. It took about 5 minutes for him to fall to earth. The wing plane's engine came apart and the crew ejected. I served as legal advisor to the aircraft accident investigation board comvened by the brigadier general commanding USFJ/ 5th Air Force.

  • @austism1
    @austism1 Před 16 dny +5

    My dad was one of those Marines who use to parachute out the back of them. He said the pilot would just pull the nose up and they would all slide right out 😂

  • @rainsilversplash4376
    @rainsilversplash4376 Před 19 dny +3

    Never worked on or flew an OV-10, but as a flight sim enthusiast, the OV-10 has always been one of my favorite aircraft. Its striking appearance first attracted me, but the performance of the craft in simulation kept me coming back for more.

  • @jeffreyzaleski412
    @jeffreyzaleski412 Před měsícem +15

    I remember this from my PJ RESCUE OF DAYS IN VIETNAM. It was a small but very durable ACFT.. TOOK A LOT OF BALLS TO FLY ONE IN MY OPINION.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před měsícem +4

      Thank you for your comment and for your service, PJ rescue takes a lot of intestinal fortitude as well - cheers!

    • @scallopohare9431
      @scallopohare9431 Před 29 dny

      Those pilots were said to be the best of the best. Only a few hundred such craft.

  • @ogearbox6132
    @ogearbox6132 Před 21 dnem +4

    I was a Marine rigger for OV-10’s serving with VMO-6 out of MCAS Futema OK in 74-75. This was a great plane and I was fortunate to fly many test hops on it. It was a joy to fly and a few of my fellow pilots allowed me to have a hand at flying them. Very cool lil bird indeed.

    • @steveparsons6324
      @steveparsons6324 Před 19 dny

      We must have served together. I was in VMO 6 from Dec ‘74 to Jan 76. Was
      Leonard your NCOIC. I still have the infamous VMO 6 Christmas Cards from 74 and 75.
      Edit: that may have been Bill Leopold. It was a long time ago.

  • @byronharano2391
    @byronharano2391 Před měsícem +7

    I saw this aircraft flying a lot as a child in Hawai'i. My uncle who was still fighting in Vietnam told me about this wonderful aircraft. 💖

  • @killerkane1957
    @killerkane1957 Před 19 dny +5

    I assure you, Victor Charles will never forget the Bronco.

  • @blockchainreaction762
    @blockchainreaction762 Před 14 dny +4

    I have 3000 hrs on this bird and I love it! So versatile and at the same time very forgiving. You forgot to mention it has counter rotatating prop hence no tourqe and can still climb with a single engine. We also used this for cloud seeding operations. I miss this bird and can proudly say I am a bronco jock!

    • @BlackLizrd
      @BlackLizrd Před 12 dny

      Was there any special procedure in the event of a bailout in order to avoid that vicious looking tail wing/stabilizer thingy?

  • @williambarnebee40
    @williambarnebee40 Před měsícem +15

    I grew up at Camp Pendleton. I lived seeing these flying all over.

    • @anthonyglickman6245
      @anthonyglickman6245 Před 28 dny +1

      Used to see these occasionally over our house in SoCal in the mid and late 1980s. Always low enough to see the pilots wave.

    • @gulfmarine8857
      @gulfmarine8857 Před 27 dny

      I was VMO-2 Marine. Seat shop. It's a great bird.

    • @williambarnebee40
      @williambarnebee40 Před 27 dny

      @@gulfmarine8857 my dad was the Flight Surgeon for VMO-2 back in the day.

  • @markcollins2666
    @markcollins2666 Před měsícem +152

    As a military aircraft, I'm afraid that the Bronco's day is done. The Philippines are phasing them out, replacing them with Super Tocanos. They are maxed out in weight, decreasing performance. And there is the unfortunate fact that no aircrew has ever survived ditching one.

    • @slartybarfastb3648
      @slartybarfastb3648 Před měsícem +25

      They're also 65 years old.

    • @txvet7738
      @txvet7738 Před měsícem +43

      I would have to disagree, if you modernize a Bronco to today standards, it would be a better performing and economical option over the Tucano in my opinion. Just look at the AH-1, UH-1, and CH-47s, all have been and still are being upgraded and are far superior than when they first came out!

    • @paulsteaven
      @paulsteaven Před měsícem +24

      ​@@txvet7738the problem is, North American is no longer existing unlike Bell and Boeing to make a new version of OV-10 Bronco.
      COIN aircrafts were dominated by Embraer's Super Tucano.

    • @massmike11
      @massmike11 Před měsícem

      North American is part of Boeing now.

    • @markcollins2666
      @markcollins2666 Před měsícem +17

      @@txvet7738, that depends on who, if anyone, is willing to do it. The Philippine Air Force wasn't. The last ejector seat modification added 1,600 pounds to the airframe, maxing it out. Too much time and effort, to modify, when they could simply buy brand new, and at a sweet price, at that. And that last niggling little "fun fact", was the final straw, that truly hung the millstone around the Bronco's neck, here. And keep in mind that two civil wars are happening here, one against ISIS, the other against Communists. The PAF has no time to wait around.

  • @Warlock2018a
    @Warlock2018a Před 20 dny +4

    VMO-2 at Camp Pendleton was my first parent squadron in 1983. I was an Avionics Tech stationed at Camp Pendleton. We would watch the OV-10's dropping Marine paratroopers out of the back of the broncos. They would remove the rear hatch and put 5 Paratroopers in the back tunnel. The last guy had his feet and legs hanging out the back. The pilot would fly along level and when it was time to drop the paratroops he would pull up sharply allowing the 5 Marines to slide out the back.

    • @polaris5250
      @polaris5250 Před 15 dny +1

      I was with MALS-39 from 89-93 & 96-98 and deployed with VMO-2 to Oki as they were being decommissioned. When they flew over Area 33 (Magaritta?), we would have to look away so they wouldn't fall out of the sky! 🤣 j/k. They sounded like flying lawnmowers. Also, I seem to remember more D models than A during that time.

    • @daveweiss5647
      @daveweiss5647 Před 3 dny

      That is absolutely insane! Much respect for the bravery!

  • @johngalt2506
    @johngalt2506 Před měsícem +27

    The Nevada Division of Forestry used it as well. There was a privately owned one based at Carson City Airport i used to see flying around from time to time.

    • @timbaskett6299
      @timbaskett6299 Před měsícem +3

      There are a few with the NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) in Boise, ID. In my opinion, this is the best non military use for the Bronco.

    • @troybullard9631
      @troybullard9631 Před 29 dny +1

      I've seen quite a few OV-10's flying over "hot spots" in California sporting CDF paint jobs.

    • @richwalter3107
      @richwalter3107 Před 28 dny +1

      Ok. Was a great airplane in its day... So, take a look at the OV 1 MOHAWK.

  • @slartybarfastb3648
    @slartybarfastb3648 Před měsícem +9

    Back in the 90s, DynCorp was granted a contract to spray the coca fields of Colombia (and possibly other ops) to deny the FARC of their revenue sources. DynCorp decided surplus OV-10s were the platform of choice. They also determined Daytona to be the ideal midpoint for refueling and staging. It was two years of Daytona becoming a defacto base for OV-10 operations. They have a distinct sound of high RPM props with 60s jet screech.
    Coincidentally, this was also around the period when Daytona was also a primary base for post-Hurricane Andrew relief efforts. Those efforts saw massive use of CH-47 Chinooks flying in and out in long streams of 12 or more. It was a great time to be an aviation freak.

  • @DSP49
    @DSP49 Před 18 dny +2

    Considering I fly on the OV-10A in the course of my duties, I can confidentiality say that it is an aircraft still very much in use. Funky plane with some unique characteristics, but perfect for the ATGS role. You can expect them to keep flying for at least another 20 years; we did just aquire 5 additional D model airframes this year.

  • @MichaelDonahue-kn8tg
    @MichaelDonahue-kn8tg Před 29 dny +7

    Being assigned to VMO-4 from 1977-1980 , thanks.

  • @pinoruggiero1805
    @pinoruggiero1805 Před měsícem +7

    Incredible, thank you for bringing this very well done informative piece of flying history. I wasn’t aware of the OV-10. I truly enjoyed watching, I could have taken in a whole lot more info.
    Again thank you us, the ones that didn’t know about this amazing aircraft.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před měsícem +2

      Glad you enjoyed it, and I am glad you learned about a new airframe - aviation is fascinating and I will work on finding more unusual aircraft to make videos of. Cheers!

  • @havocmwf
    @havocmwf Před měsícem +5

    I am Scottish and lived in the Philippines for 10 years and used to see the Bronco at a number of local airports, mainly in the South. They were used extensivley for COIN ops against the Islamic Terrorists in the region. One of my Fav aircraft.

    • @markarca6360
      @markarca6360 Před 26 dny

      It has been used in airstrikes during the Marawi conflict.

  • @joshtroutman1462
    @joshtroutman1462 Před 23 dny +2

    My dad was an U.S.M.C. avionics tech around 1970 or so. He worked on the OV-10, AH-1 Cobra and KC-130. He has many fond memories of those aircraft.

  • @grob25
    @grob25 Před 14 dny +1

    I got to see them, once, in the early 90's. I was awestruck when I saw them.

  • @TheCrapman50
    @TheCrapman50 Před 17 dny +2

    we use the OV-10's here in the Philippines as a bomber for COIN ops in Mindanao and other parts of the country with rebel insurgents. I never thought those where such a beauty and also a beast of an aircraft!

  • @LordEvan5
    @LordEvan5 Před měsícem +5

    Wow that German Bronco sure did look like something out of world war 2

  • @scottnj2503
    @scottnj2503 Před měsícem +9

    Again I learned more Juan. Thanks for another great post. My father worked with Bronco's as FAC and following some mission, would fly post mission assessments with his buddy, an OV-10 driver. Pop loved the Bronco. Bronco, kinda the forefather of the of Warthog, but Bronco didn't take as high dose of steroids, took the seventies to up the dosage. LOL p.s. I work with a fellow that few OV-10s and OA-10s as FAQ n the desert wars.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  Před 24 dny +2

      Thank you Scott, and I didn't realize your father had time in the OV-10...very cool. I'm going to make an AC-47 video soon

  • @mtssman
    @mtssman Před 26 dny +10

    Two Marines, in a desert, thinking about aircraft. 🤣🤣🤣

    • @remalm3670
      @remalm3670 Před 14 dny +1

      ... should have been about crayons ... ;-)

  • @GoaTrex2531
    @GoaTrex2531 Před 23 dny +2

    I was at Camp Pendelton in 1991 and saw it use with Marine recon. It would go vertical slightly and dump out parachutists. Very cool.

  • @bradbo3
    @bradbo3 Před 13 dny +1

    Love the Bronco…lived at Camp Pendelton in the early 80’s and there was a squadron of them….always flying over base housing. Awesome little plane.

  • @MaSterChOu1
    @MaSterChOu1 Před měsícem +6

    « A LONELY KIND OF WAR » written by Marshall harrison.
    If you want stories about the OV10 Bronco, it’s one of the best read about vietnam and about aviation I have ever had.
    Very nice video, the 3d views are very interseting. The models looks nice too.
    Great channel. Thank you.

    • @deebee2854
      @deebee2854 Před 29 dny +2

      Add "Flying Black Ponies" by Kit Lavell and "Da Nang Diary" by Tom Yarborough to the list. Agreed, Great video. Well done. This from a person that loves the OV-10, truly my favorite airplane. Although, the closest to flying it has been with a simulator that rhymes with "explain." 😂 Saw plenty of them at work, though: USMC 1980-1990.

    • @MaSterChOu1
      @MaSterChOu1 Před 29 dny

      @@deebee2854 I’ll look for it, thank you very much.

  • @ryanpotter4138
    @ryanpotter4138 Před 4 dny +1

    I was Parachute rigger in the Marine Corps from 85 to 89 and parachuted out of a Bronco while with a Marine Force Reconnaissance unit in the late 80’s then had them overhead fighting wildfires in California as private contractor when I finally retired in 2022.

  • @allankleidon6437
    @allankleidon6437 Před 24 dny +2

    It's always good to see such a versatile and still capable aircraft, conceived decades ago. Still being of practical use today.

  • @tbolt2948
    @tbolt2948 Před měsícem +15

    As a military historian I've known of them since the 60s.Brovos, Birddogs and Sandys did an outstanding job in their time. These days, given the SAM envelope, they just aren't viable.

    • @ReLax-ru2pk
      @ReLax-ru2pk Před 28 dny +1

      @@jamesjrossI’m sure Mexico could utilize them well against cartels , they already use minion mounts in helicopters

    • @ReLax-ru2pk
      @ReLax-ru2pk Před 28 dny

      Minigun

  • @cmscms123456
    @cmscms123456 Před 24 dny +19

    OV-10's and F-5's the US is quietly buying these back from our allies around the World. One hint, if the US Government is buying something back.... you might want to rethink selling.

    • @h.r.puffnstuff8705
      @h.r.puffnstuff8705 Před 7 dny

      Both air frames are excellent designs. Low maintenance. Less expensive.
      That makes them easier access on the used market and they don’t want them ending up in the wrong hands.
      The simplicity of both makes them ideal for rework for gifting to other friends.

  • @user-ji2nv2vd6r
    @user-ji2nv2vd6r Před měsícem +3

    They need to bring them back. Great video. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day

  • @lesterweinheimer665
    @lesterweinheimer665 Před 12 dny +1

    I would have loved to get my hands on one of these when I was still flying! Thanks a lot I really enjoyed that on memorial Day!

  • @mothmagic1
    @mothmagic1 Před 13 dny +1

    One of the most underappreciated aircraft ever built. Definitely earned its spurs. One very valid comment in this is "the value of a human in the decision chain. Humans can react to unexpected situations and make decisions on the fly which AI can't.

  • @stepanbandera5206
    @stepanbandera5206 Před 2 dny +1

    I built the Revell 1/72 scale Bronco when I was a kid. Learned of its service at a young age. Loved the design.👍

  • @glenjohnson9302
    @glenjohnson9302 Před 28 dny +2

    Although it loosing relevancy, it been one of my favorite aircraft in history. A beautiful bird. It sets up there with the A10 and so many more.

  • @dgsantafedave1
    @dgsantafedave1 Před 18 dny +1

    These badass planes fly everyday during fire season in California they are the eyes, ears and FLIR for the firefighters on the ground!

  • @slipstream5542
    @slipstream5542 Před měsícem +3

    always lived the bronco SEMPER FI 🫡

  • @martineastburn3679
    @martineastburn3679 Před 17 dny +1

    In the final discussion - the Bronco with drones could search to find someone and land to pick up while the drones watch for others attacking. Therefore, it is also capable of Rescues.

  • @Sacto1654
    @Sacto1654 Před měsícem +6

    I tnink a highly modernized new-build version with a stronger composite structure and new engines could be a very effective counter-insurgency plane.

    • @CraigCholar
      @CraigCholar Před 29 dny +1

      MANPADS would still be a deadly threat.

    • @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm
      @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm Před 28 dny

      I was going to bring up MANPADS but you have it covered. Thanks.
      🙈🙉🙊 😎 🇺🇸

  • @MayheM_72
    @MayheM_72 Před 19 dny +1

    I was always fascinated by the Bronco. Small, agile, armed, it just sounds like a down and dirty wild ride!

  • @potatoradio
    @potatoradio Před 24 dny +2

    I was in the Army when the OV-1 Mohawk was flying. Unfortunately the OV1 committed the sin of killing a Mig. So it got it's claws pulled for sensors only.

  • @xfirehurican
    @xfirehurican Před 12 dny +1

    Back in the mid-80s, night spatial disorientation was presumed to be the probable cause of an OV-10 crash in the vicinity of MCAGCC 29 Palms. It took us til early dawn to locate the crash site. The practically straight-in impact was so fierce that the largest recognizable objects recovered from the crater were half of a flight helmet and one intact flight boot.

  • @peter-radiantpipes2800
    @peter-radiantpipes2800 Před 25 dny +2

    I’ve seen it a few times over my house for firefighting spotters here in California. Was so excited to see just overhead. I was aviation geeking out. :)

  • @jamescook7713
    @jamescook7713 Před 24 dny +3

    The military should restart production on the OV-10. They could build 14 to 16 Broncos compared to the cost of 1 F-35.

  • @e34m51
    @e34m51 Před 2 dny

    I fly with a guy that flew an OV10 in Nam , we fly in an RV6 , he's one of the best sticks , Ive been able to fly with , he's great at flying over treetops , and rolling hills . What a great design .

  • @Brouk331
    @Brouk331 Před 18 dny +1

    Thank you for sharing this amazing and enjoyable film about the OV-10 Bronco designed by the Marines and built for COIN Ops. I liked it a lot. PEACE.
    ---
    Merci d'avoir partagé ce film étonnant et agréable sur l'OV-10 Bronco conçu par les Marines et construit pour COIN Ops. Je l'ai beaucoup aimé. PAIX.

  • @rufusaardvark5894
    @rufusaardvark5894 Před 10 dny

    Among my earliest memories are the sight and sound of these things flying over my house.

  • @tacticalmattfoley
    @tacticalmattfoley Před 4 dny

    Being able to land inside the length of a football field PLUS do all the utilitarian cool stuff makes this plane an incredible asset......

  • @BrilliantDesignOnline
    @BrilliantDesignOnline Před 17 dny +1

    I like the Bronco and learned a lot from your video; thank you.

  • @FuzzyMarineVet
    @FuzzyMarineVet Před 18 dny +1

    In 1977 I was posted to Camp Schwab, Okinawa when I was buzzed by an OV 10 on the coast road, just for fun. I have seen an OV-10 land in less than 100 ft on an expeditionary airfield.

  • @ielbow208
    @ielbow208 Před 15 dny +1

    I loved the P-38 then I saw the OV-10 Bronco. Instant love what a beautiful airplane.

  • @TexanUSMC8089
    @TexanUSMC8089 Před 17 dny +1

    An OV-10 at low altitude was incredibly maneuverable. It may have been more of a target in the desert, but not in the mountains or jungle.

  • @aviador30mk2
    @aviador30mk2 Před 14 dny +1

    In Venezuela it flew for several decades, an incredible aircraft, reliable and versatile, unfortunately it became famous in the country for the attempted coup d'état in 1992 when ov10 broncos piloted by rebels bombed the capital and important air bases of the country causing significant damage and destruction of some planes on the ground, 3 Broncos were shot down on November 27, 1992, 2 by F16 and one by anti-aircraft battery fire, excellent documentary, my congratulations

  • @MultiCconway
    @MultiCconway Před 19 dny +1

    Loved the video. You hit all the missions dead on target. Can you imagine a modern Bronco with new engines, scimitar 5-bladed props, synthetic construct, and winglets on the wing for better efficiency and control at low speeds in landing. A Modern Digital Bronco would be a very versatile, effective, efficient aircraft. It should have been revisited in the competition of AT-6 / A-29 Light Attack Aircraft. These type competitions are just waist of money trying to make something we already know and own.

  • @rampant_1644
    @rampant_1644 Před 17 dny +1

    The air base, Bien Hoa (bee-en, wah, short “a”) was a major air base in III Corps, near Saigon. It’s where I landed and left Vietnam back in 69-70. Most troops for the south landed there to be shuttled off to Long Binh (long, bin), 90th Replacement for assignments. After assignment, you’re shuttled back to Bien Hoa to fly out to wherever your new unit is based. Mine was Phuoc Vinh (fook, vin), 31st Combat Engineers. They were assigned to support the 1st Cav. Good video.

  • @Mariner311
    @Mariner311 Před 29 dny +1

    Worked with Broncos in the late 1980s as a Naval Aircrewman - even got some flight time while going through Naval Gunfire Spotting School - and later flew in the SH-60B Seahawk during Desert Shield/Storm in coordination with the Bronco.
    These days - the Bronco still flies with California's Department of Forestry as a CALFIRE spotter aircraft - coordinating tanker-drop aircraft and providing aerial supervision of all wild-fires -

  • @shannonchurchill4556
    @shannonchurchill4556 Před 29 dny +1

    Love the Bronco. Just such a cool looking plane, and so capable and versatile. I loved going to the El Toro air show back in the 90's and watching the MAGTF demo. a pair of OV-10's would come in right on the deck, pull straight up, and at about 1,000 feet, 6 troopers would stream out the back while still in the vertical

  • @edwardbrown9831
    @edwardbrown9831 Před 15 dny +1

    Bill Beckett was my older Cousin. Whenever I was around him, I was always asking him about stories concerning his history of flying and building planes. He was also a member of the Black Sheep Squadron in WWII

  • @xtreker15
    @xtreker15 Před 17 dny +1

    great video, the new twin seater air tractor that the military has adopted will fill this roll well.

  • @adamadams6740
    @adamadams6740 Před 3 dny

    That footage of the plane on the bumpy runway is awesome,it looks like a Trophy Truck through a whoop section,it gets on top of the bumps and smoothes out.very cool.

  • @user-ed2wq4wu8c
    @user-ed2wq4wu8c Před 26 dny +1

    We had a squadron of OV-10's at NKP Royal Thai AFB in 1970-1971 and they did an awesome job. USAF

  • @kennethbrooks4425
    @kennethbrooks4425 Před 16 dny

    The Air Force had these in Korea in the 70s. They were all mounted with quad 60s. Awesome aircraft and my favorite to watch during exercises.

  • @nightsailor1
    @nightsailor1 Před 22 dny +1

    Another excellent platform for a movie.

  • @BIG-DIPPER-56
    @BIG-DIPPER-56 Před měsícem +2

    THANKS!
    I'd never heard about this!
    Cool concept!

  • @concernedaussie1330
    @concernedaussie1330 Před měsícem +2

    Defending somewhere like Australia I find it hard to find anything better.
    Capable of taking off & landing just about anywhere is fantastic. With vast oceans surrounding Australia with a relatively safe interior to operate in , shuttling SF & other small squads & equipment around the coastline or islands.
    Having the ability to carry decently sized missiles or drones over littoral waters or dropping sea mines or underwater drones or other littoral based weapons is a perfect environment for a twin engined light aircraft.

  • @dontall71
    @dontall71 Před 28 dny +1

    Awesome plane, the video does well to document its development and use. Thanks!

  • @ralphsexton8531
    @ralphsexton8531 Před 23 dny +2

    Looks like a perfect unit to monitor border activity...

  • @edl617
    @edl617 Před 25 dny +2

    The US Navy The U.S. Navy formed Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4), the "Black Ponies", on 3 January 1969, and operated in Vietnam from April 1969 to April 1972. The Navy used the Bronco OV-10A as a light ground-attack aircraft, for interdiction of enemy logistics, and fire support of Marines, SEALs, and naval riverine force vessels. It succeeded in this role, although the U.S. Navy did lose seven OV-10s during the war to various causes.

  • @rolandharrison5651
    @rolandharrison5651 Před 17 dny

    Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I was assigned to VMO-1 in 1976 through 1981. Such a versatile and valuable A/C. I wish I had one. Gunny USMC (Ret)

  • @anthonyhayes1267
    @anthonyhayes1267 Před 13 dny

    My grandfather worked on this project when he was at NAR. I actually found a report he prepared on flyover acoustic characteristics.

  • @rexxsimba
    @rexxsimba Před 24 dny +3

    An amazing Aircraft that is extremely relevant , especially in today's low intensity conflicts...
    Imagine the bang for buck if 100 of these were deployed at an approximate cost 600K each ..😊👍🔥

  • @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm
    @GeorgeRuffner-iy7bm Před 28 dny +1

    Enjoyed the video. Thanks for getting me updated on this aircraft.
    🙈🙉🙊 😎 🇺🇸

  • @khyron6
    @khyron6 Před 17 dny +1

    I had a model of the Bronco Oh in about 1971 I was about 7yrs old. Really cool model. It is one worth building. :)

  • @johngross8300
    @johngross8300 Před 12 dny

    Thanks for the talk! Cheers.

  • @linwooddabney798
    @linwooddabney798 Před 22 dny +1

    I worked on these ac in the corps as well as overhauled them at Cherry Point NARF