Kitty Hawk 32003 1/32 OV-10D Bronco Kit

The Rockwell International OV-10 Bronco was the winner of the Light Armed Reconnaissance (LARA) competition for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The first planes were delivered in 1969 and the OV-10 had already taken part in the Vietnam War. The plane was very versatile. It could operate from short runways as the length of the run-up run was approximately 225 meters. Moreover, if necessary, it was possible to install skids and even floats! The range of weapons that could be carried was also wide, although most often, however, equipment for air reconnaissance was installed. The D version was distinguished mainly by a modernized avionics, a laser target marking system and a 20mm cannon mounted in the nose. These aircraft were still in service during the 1991 Gulf War, although mainly in night missions and as the last version in service with the US Air Force, they were finally withdrawn in 1995, although it should be mentioned that they are still in service, among others Thailand, Venezuela or Indonesia. Although the OV-10 Bronco had an unusual shape and unusual for a modern combat aircraft, and generally rather average performance, the simple design and low price made it an attractive aircraft for many users. 

The OV-10D was a second generation Bronco developed under the NOGS program. The D-model was an extensively modified OV-10A airframe, adding a forward-looking infrared night-vision system with a turret-mounted camera under an extended nose, visually distinct from the short rounded nose of the A-model. The D also has bigger engines and larger fiberglass propellers. Other noticeable external differences are the chaff dispensers installed midway down the booms and infrared-suppressive exhaust stacks (which mix the exhaust with colder air to reduce the aircraft's heat signature). 17 modified from OV-10A.

The next USMC upgrade was the D+ consisting of A and D aircraft being extensively reworked at MCAS Cherry Point Naval Air Rework Facility with new wiring and strengthened wings. First delivery to the USMC was late 1979. Engine instrumentation was changed from round dials to tape readouts. The last US military OV-10 was retired in 1995 though several are still flying with foreign military units and several federal government organizations. Boeing is extensively peddling an upgraded OV-10X for the light attack role.