Boeing Considers Re-Starting OV-10 Program

[MBot]

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/01/321730/boeing-considers-restarting-ov-10-production-after-23-year.html

 

Boeing is considering the possibility of restarting production of the OV-10 Bronco turboprop, a Vietnam-era light attack and observation aircraft last produced in 1976.

 

The company confirms that the OV-10 could be offered as either a light attack or intra-theatre light cargo aircraft for the US Air Force. The international market is also driving interest in the slow-flying aircraft, which blends some of the observational capabilities of a helicopter with the range of a fixed-wing aircraft.

 

Boeing has cited recent USAF interest in acquiring a light attack aircraft as a possible reason to revive OV-10 production.

 

Although known for its surveillance prowess, the OV-10 remains in combat service in four countries: Colombia (pictured below), Indonesia, the Philippines and Venezuela, with a weapons load at least equivalent to the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. Some of those countries, and perhaps new customers, could seek remanufactured or new production OV-10s as their current fleets wear out.

 

So far, the USAF has not decided whether to buy a light attack fleet, known as the OA-X. But the Air National Guard will experiment later this year with the Beechcraft AT-6 Texan II. The USAF is also buying dozens of AT-6s on behalf of the Iraqi air force. The Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano and US Aircraft A-67 Dragon are also candidates for an OA-X order.

 

If the OA-X opportunity stalls, Boeing believes there could be interest in reviving the OV-10 as an intra-theatre transport for moving small groups of troops or medical services around the battlefield.

 

Boeing notes that the OV-10 revival idea is very preliminary. However, the company has created a marketing brochure, which has been circulated at defence industry events.

 

Unmanned air systems are being increasingly augmented by piloted aircraft for the persistent intelligence surveillance reconnaissance mission. The US Army and US Marine Corps have adapted the Shorts C-23B Sherpa with a wide-area surveillance sensor, and the USAF will deploy 37 MC-12W Project Liberty aircraft - modified Beechcraft King Air 350/350ERs, to augment unmanned operations.

 

The OV-10 has been considered for a similar role for several years. The Department of Defense contacted John Hodgson, president of the OV-10 Bronco Association, a few years ago to inquire about fleet availability.

 

Hodgson is not surprised by the rising interest in the observation platform. "It doesn't make any difference how good your UAV is," he says. "Nothing replaces a couple of eyeballs on a head that moves around."

[Force_Feedback]

Revival always sounds good, too bad Boeing can't bring those back :( :P (also 'Nam era btw)

[Namenlos Ein]

Seems war against terrorism needs some old-school aircrafts.

 

Cartoon about Philippines AF's Bronco's frequent crashes.

 

Edited March 6, 2009 by Namenlos Ein

[Brit_Radar_Dude]

Last time I drove up the M11 past Duxford museum, there were a couple of Bronco's there......

[opformaster]

Cool my uncle flew one of those in Vietnam. When I visited him and his fam when I was a kid he let me try on his flight suit and helmet. I heard they had a bunch in Thailand as well. Apparently there is a night fighting version (yes I know its an Observation plane) with a 20mm cannon sounds like sweetness. I know they have a OV-10 for FSX but its just not the same when you dont have to dodge the AAA.

 

-op4

[CE_Mikemonster]

I could see that becoming VERY hated by the Taliban.

[MBot]

Yep, the OV-10 sounds like the perfect plane for current needs. Combining the firepower of a gunship with a 4 hours loiter time. Also interesting is that if the USAF wont go for new COIN aircraft, the OV-10 could still go ahead as a small intra-theater cargo airplane.

 

I wonder if restarting the production of the Bronco would cost as much as for any new aircraft or if they still have some machinery left from 30 years ago.

[mvsgas]

I do not think they would have to spend as much money in testing and development sense it is a proven designed. Manufacturing would probably just as expensive as any new aircraft. What ever company building it would probably still charge us 300$ for a bolt because it is "aircraft tested" or "Special designed bolt"