OV-10 D+ / G

Blue Air Training has integrated the highly reliable, cost effective, multi-purpose light attack OV-10 Category E “jet class” into training missions. The versatility and reliability of the Bronco make this aircraft an ideal Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training platform, with in-theater endurance topping five hours. 

 

THE STORIED OV-10

The OV-10 was initially conceived in the early 1960s and designed for rugged, simple, close air support, integrated with reconnaissance and forward ground operations. The Bronco’s missions included observation, forward air control, helicopter escort, armed reconnaissance, gunfire spotting, utility and ground attack. 

The OV-10 was used for decades and flew with three branches of the military, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines, along with several allied militaries. Besides the military, other U.S. agencies who flew the OV-10 include NASA, State Department Air Wing, Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to name a few. Most recently, U.S. Special Forces have used the OV-10 in several operations in active theaters combating ISIS. 

CAPABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE

General characteristics

Crew: 1 Pilot / 1 MSO

Capacity: 2 Aircrew and up to 3 additional personnel or 3500 lbs of cargo 

Dimensions: 44 ft long x 40 ft wingspan x 15 ft tall 

Max Gross Weight: up to 15,000 lbs with external stores 

Powerplant: 2 Garrett T76-G-420/421 turboprop engines 

Upgraded advanced avionics and glass cockpit to include ADS-B and satellite weather 

Night and Loft delivery capable 

Performance

Cruise speed: 300 KTAS 

Maximum Speed : Vmo 350 KIAS / 463 KTAS 

Climb: 3,400 feet per minute 

Range: 1200 NM (2 x weapons stores / 2 x fuel tanks at 20,000 feet) 

Endurance: 5.0+ hours 

Service ceiling: FL320 

Armament

7 x Hardpoints, capable of carrying:  

Bombs: MALTS-4 Smart Weapons Rack, 4 x BDU-33 or 2 x Laser Guided training Rounds (LGTR) per bomb rack 

Gun: 2000 rounds of 7.62mm in 4 x Sponson mounted machine guns 

Rockets: 7 x 2.75” Rockets per LAU-131 rocket pod 

Extended range external fuel tanks 

Communications

Link-16 for Digitally aided Close Air Support (DaCAS)

Multiple UHF and VHF radios provide pilots with seamless communications with the airmen on the ground

Cursor On Target communications NAV suite allows the crew to execute DaCAS at night

SETTING A NEW TRAINING

STANDARD

“As a career A-10 Pilot, I’ve always had a tremendous respect and appreciation for the OV-10 Bronco. Its unique look and mission focused design rings true to my heart. In our configuration of 8 bombs, 7 rockets, 2000 rounds, FLIR, and LINK-16 there is no wonder why this aircraft was recently selected to take the fight to ISIS. For those very reasons the seven OV-10D+ and OV-10G Broncos we are adding to the Blue Air Close Air Support fleet are undeniably the best JTAC training platform in the air, anywhere.“  – Founder and CEO, James “Chef” Barlow.