Author Topic: North American OV-10 Bronco (Read 19999 times)

Jeffry Fontaine · « **on:** March 02, 2012, 12:29:21 PM »

Here are a couple of ideas I have saved to my notepad over the years that I think should be shared:

OV-10 with 30mm Bushmaster from the AH-64 mounted in the ventral position on the fuselage (replacing the centerline stores station). I have a spare turret from a busted up Monogram AH-64 and often wondered what to do with it.

OV-10 with gun turret from a B-29 (2 or 4 gun) mounted in the ventral position. - Retro Off-The-Shelf Gunship

OV-10 with six blade propellers (need 1/72nd scale C-130J propeller for a 1/48th scale OV-10 Bronco). - This can work. I have the propellers from the Italeri 1/72nd scale C-130J kit and the blade length will not impinge on the fuselage. They are almost the same diameter as the original kit propellers, just twice the number of blades :)

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Wikipedia - North American OV-10 Bronco

Click to view larger image

(Image source: U.S. [url=http://www.defenseimagery.mil]www.defenseimagery.mil photo no. DN-SN-88-00789 via Wikipedia[/url])

The OV-10 Bronco Association (aka OV-10Bronco.Net)

Link to Boeing OV-10X Brochure (Adobe PDF) (view on-line or download)

"The Flying Jeep" Tough Little Jungle Fighter - Popular Science Magazine (December 1964)

The OV-10 Story: Innovation vs. The "System" (Historical documentation by the inventor, Col. K.P. Rice, USMC retired)

Weaver · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2012, 08:31:53 PM »

How about making it completely retro and fitting piston engines? (Some interesting C of G issues to solve, I'll admit....)

Alternative, how about one with VERY stretched wings (easy to do with the Bronco's planks) and big, slow geared props mounted above the standard line? It would be intended for covert night surveillance/attack, like an armed Q-Star that not only sneaks up on you by near-gliding, but then adds injury to insult by actually bombing you too......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YO-3

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:32:28 AM »

Make into a UAV...

jschmus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2012, 08:41:00 AM »

How about an OV-10 with a turret mounted in place of the taildome on the center pod? You could use something like the chin gun installation from the B-17, or else the 20mm M197 from the Cobras. Broncos already had a nasty reputation for strafing, but imagine how it would be with chase guns that could pour it on as they pulled out.

LemonJello · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:54:50 PM »

Some very interesting ideas here. I may now have to find another OV-10 kit to play around with...good thing they're usually pretty cheap when you find them.

How about replacing the props with turbofans...I have some spare 1/72 A-10 engines that could work on a 1/48 Bronco...

elmayerle · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:09:53 PM »

What could be done using the larger fuselage of the unbuilt CV-10 cargo version? I've got the bits and pieces to scratch that one and do it in the DoS markings from the Hawk silver-finish variant.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:42:42 PM »

How about a dedicated anti-tank variant with big gun on the centre line and missiles under the wings?

Alvis 3.1 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2012, 12:12:15 AM »

There was a target tug variant of the Bronco with a centerline mounted turbojet booster (Above the fusleage) so converting the whole plane to turbofans wouldn't be that outrageous.

Alvis 3.1

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2012, 02:19:48 AM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on March 04, 2012, 12:42:42 PM

How about a dedicated anti-tank variant with big gun on the centre line and missiles under the wings?

Speaking of Bronco guns, there was this proposal for a recoilless rifle armed variant:

Regards,

Greg

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #9 on:** July 31, 2012, 02:12:03 AM »

elmayerle · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2012, 09:02:15 AM »

Another thought, a French one with Astazou engines replacing the TPE331 (both are direct drive, so it wouldn't matter to reaction times on throttle slams) and a similar propeller replacement (Ratier electric props for Hamilton-Standard hydraulic props).

upnorth · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2012, 01:59:03 PM »

Being as how it does have some internal stowage space, how about a floatplane set up for bush flying?

The fuselage sponsons should be quite useful as part of the float mounting set up and the Bronco's STOL capabilities should make it quite useful

As for Jeffry's idea of six bladed props, I had a similar idea but using contraprops.

finsrin · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:42:12 PM »

Try this. 1/48 Bronco with nose section replaced by 1/72 F-14 nose. Resulting in 1/72 all weather interceptor which can drop cargo/paratroops out the back.

Maverick · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2012, 07:51:13 PM »

There was a floatplane setup for the original concept of the Bronco. I think, however, that a larger aircraft (scale-o-ramed) would be definitely be all weather, but more a target rather than interceptor.

Regards,

John

Rickshaw · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2012, 09:54:12 PM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on March 05, 2012, 02:19:48 AM

Quote from: GTX_Admin on March 04, 2012, 12:42:42 PM
How about a dedicated anti-tank variant with big gun on the centre line and missiles under the wings?

Speaking of Bronco guns, there was this proposal for a recoilless rifle armed variant:

Regards,

Greg

What always struck me as unusual about that system was that the barrel and chamber on the recoilless rifle actually slides forward and the exhaust nozzle was fixed. Otherwise it wouldn't work. The case from the round fired would also need some means of being ejected, after the chamber and barrel had slid forward. In the ground mount, the breech opens and the case has to be pulled from the chamber by hand.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2013, 05:20:00 AM »

Does someone do a OV-10B(Z) conversion in 1/48 (i.e. the J-85 jet pod)?

I am sure I have seen one somewhere but can't track it down at the moment:

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #16 on:** January 27, 2013, 06:40:05 AM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 27, 2013, 05:20:00 AM

Does someone do a OV-10B(Z) conversion in 1/48 (i.e. the J-85 jet pod)?

I am sure I have seen one somewhere but can't track it down at the moment:

I thought Revell of Germany included the jet engine option in their version of the original Revell Bronco kit or maybe it was just the Luftwaffe decal sheet.

Daryl J. · « **Reply #17 on:** March 31, 2013, 12:36:17 AM »

Given the current situation on the Korean peninsula, the Bronco could be well suited to conflict in that terrain along with CN-235 gunships, Zulu, Venom, and Apache helicopters.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2013, 07:22:02 AM »

For anyone interested in the continued miltary use of the OV-10 Bronco:

Found this on a blog under the title of North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco: Bring the heat, bring the stupid

Some images included showing the aircraft with upgraded instrument panel and the four-blade propellers. In the text included was the following comment describing what the aircraft will be carrying while on missions:

Quote

The normal configuration for the missions will be centerline and with external fuel and four seven shot pods for laser guided 2,75″ rockets.

jcf · « **Reply #19 on:** June 22, 2013, 03:14:07 AM »

No doubt they mean these, Hydra with BAE Systems guidance package:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #20 on:** June 22, 2013, 04:10:16 AM »

Quote from: jcf on June 22, 2013, 03:14:07 AM

No doubt they mean these, Hydra with BAE Systems guidance package:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System

You are correct. There are a couple of BAE product propaganda videos on YouTube showing off this weapon and what it is claimed to be capable of. Makes sense to finally see smaller precision guided weapons and a seven or nineteen shot FFAR pod full of those things would be quite devastating. Perhaps this miniaturization will see the DoD/DARPA taking another look at even smaller rockets with similar capabilities in the 1.5" to 2.0" (40 mm - 50 mm) range.

Daryl J. · « **Reply #21 on:** October 20, 2013, 12:24:44 PM »

Swedish splinter! :)

Kerick · « **Reply #22 on:** October 21, 2013, 01:07:46 AM »

I have a 1/48 Bronco I built years ago that may be in need of an upgrade. Another project!
I wonder if this could carry a couple of Mavericks.

dy031101 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 15, 2013, 05:39:27 AM »

After reading about the "Guardian" idea from Silver Fox...... maybe a scenario where OV-10T becomes commercially-viable and ends up being derived into a modern day missileer with upgraded engines, Sea Vixen radar, and Meteor AAMs?

PR19_Kit · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2013, 06:50:52 AM »

LOVE the OV-10T! :)

I've been builidng one for a couple of years, I really need to DO it!

raafif · « **Reply #25 on:** January 20, 2014, 11:43:50 AM »

someone elsewhere suggested that Oz is currently looking at modifying OV-10 Broncos to fly off the new LPH helicopter-carriers - surely that would make those ships horse-floats ?? $:-\$

Would like to see the prodution-line started up for them again

But probably end up with the same stuff-up as the Seasprite project.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #26 on:** January 20, 2014, 02:55:06 PM »

Quote from: raafif on January 20, 2014, 11:43:50 AM

someone elsewhere suggested that Oz is currently looking at modifying OV-10 Broncos to fly off the new LPH helicopter-carriers - surely that would make those ships horse-floats ?? $:-\$
.

Your kidding me?! Why would we bother when we have the Tigers already?

Volkodav · « **Reply #27 on:** January 20, 2014, 04:38:11 PM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 20, 2014, 02:55:06 PM

Quote from: raafif on January 20, 2014, 11:43:50 AM
someone elsewhere suggested that Oz is currently looking at modifying OV-10 Broncos to fly off the new LPH helicopter-carriers - surely that would make those ships horse-floats ?? $:-\$
.

Your kidding me?! Why would we bother when we have the Tigers already?

ummmm........ I commented to the RAEME WO2 in charge of the Tigers maintenance team that I had seen one flying earlier in the week and he said " Sshhh....don't say that you'll jinx us and we'll end up with them all US again." Needless to say he is not a fan. Then again it hasn't done too bad for a developmental platform, sold as MOTS, to an unsuspecting military.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #28 on:** January 20, 2014, 04:47:11 PM »

Don't get me wrong, the Tigers have had their issues...but going back to a 1950s/1960s design that has never served in the ADF and which is largely out of service elsewhere? That is plain ridiculous!

Volkodav · « **Reply #29 on:** January 20, 2014, 06:03:46 PM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 20, 2014, 04:47:11 PM

Don't get me wrong, the Tigers have had their issues...but going back to a 1950s/1960s design that has never served in the ADF and which is largely out of service elsewhere? That is plain ridiculous!

Like the Sea Sprite?

I like the Tiger and believe it would have made more sense if it was either replacing an existing type, i.e. AH-1 J or S or if the requirement was for 2020, or if we were looking to be a full development partner. The way it was selected and contracted just demonstrates how broken our procurement system is.

Back on topic, how about a Nomad / Bronco hybrid?

Rickshaw · « **Reply #30 on:** January 20, 2014, 06:36:00 PM »

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 20, 2014, 02:55:06 PM

Quote from: raafif on January 20, 2014, 11:43:50 AM
someone elsewhere suggested that Oz is currently looking at modifying OV-10 Broncos to fly off the new LPH helicopter-carriers - surely that would make those ships horse-floats ?? $:-\$
.

Your kidding me?! Why would we bother when we have the Tigers already?

Sounds like something from either "Navy Review" or Sparky...

Rickshaw · « **Reply #31 on:** January 20, 2014, 06:39:32 PM »

Quote from: Volkodav on January 20, 2014, 06:03:46 PM

Quote from: GTX_Admin on January 20, 2014, 04:47:11 PM
Don't get me wrong, the Tigers have had their issues...but going back to a 1950s/1960s design that has never served in the ADF and which is largely out of service elsewhere? That is plain ridiculous!

Like the Sea Sprite?

I like the Tiger and believe it would have made more sense if it was either replacing an existing type, i.e. AH-1 J or S or if the requirement was for 2020, or if we were looking to be a full development partner. The way it was selected and contracted just demonstrates how broken our procurement system is.

Back on topic, how about a Nomad / Bronco hybrid?

The worst of both designs?

The Tiger was a compromise. The Army wanted Apaches, Treasury wanted R-22s. They ended up with the Tiger. Personally, I've always liked the Mangusta.

PR19_Kit · « **Reply #32 on:** January 20, 2014, 06:46:29 PM »

What are these 'Tigers' you Diggers are talking about please?

Volkodav · « **Reply #33 on:** January 20, 2014, 07:14:50 PM »

Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 20, 2014, 06:46:29 PM

What are these 'Tigers' you Diggers are talking about please?

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/aviation/aircraft.aspx

jcf · « **Reply #34 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:01:58 AM »

Airbus Helicopters Tiger, doesn't that just roll off the tongue.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #35 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:09:13 AM »

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #36 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:09:27 AM »

Quote from: jcf on January 21, 2014, 02:01:58 AM

Airbus Helicopters Tiger, doesn't that just roll off the tongue.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #37 on:** January 21, 2014, 02:12:43 AM »

Getting back on track, an Australian OV-10 back in the late 60s/70s/80s would certainly be a different proposition. Perhaps starting with the RAAF and then eventually transitioning to the Army in the 80s. Perhaps starting off with a small buy during the Vietnam war. I would look to the Hueys, Nomad and/or Caribou for possible schemes.

jcf · « **Reply #38 on:** January 21, 2014, 03:04:43 AM »

Original layout with short-span wings, note it can be built from the old Hawk/Testors 1/48 kit by simply
shortening the outer wing panels. What can't be built from the kit OOB is an accurate production aircraft.
On the production aircraft not only were the wings lengthened, the booms were moved outboard by six
inches, the Hawk kit has the boom spacing of the original prototypes.

Also note the "flat" sponsons and that they were removed when the floats were mounted.

kitnut617 · « **Reply #39 on:** January 21, 2014, 03:29:11 AM »

Edo floats too, so there's a very good build possibility ----- hmm! just need to work out the length. Khee Kha do a few Edo float accessory sets.

jcf · « **Reply #40 on:** January 21, 2014, 03:42:45 AM »

Yep, and Lars at Khee Kha or Bill Bailey might be able to tell you which ones.

kitnut617 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 21, 2014, 04:18:15 AM »

Already sent Lars an email Jon

Floats work out to 31'-0" long (not including the rudder)

raafif · « **Reply #42 on:** January 21, 2014, 04:59:05 AM »

Bronco with tail hook, mine-sweeping drogue (deployed from open rear doors) & blue/white cam

A Tiger in blue/white or another naval scheme (anything other than grey) would make a nice whif too.

PR19_Kit · « **Reply #43 on:** January 21, 2014, 05:59:22 AM »

Oh, THAT Tiger.

Not exactly the prettiest helicopter in the world, is it? Give me an OV-10 variant any day, especially the CV-10.

kitnut617 · « **Reply #44 on:** January 21, 2014, 07:18:22 AM »

I got a reply from Lars, he's going to see if he has something that will work. Meanwhile I did some number crunching, I've found an interesting bit of trivia, the empty and max take-off weights of an OV-10A are very close to a Bristol Bolingbroke (Blenheim) and I've already got a project on the go for the floatplane variant of the Bolingbroke. Checking the length of the float I've done from a 3-View of this aircraft I got from John Adams (Mr. Aeroclub), I find the float is about the same length (33'-6"). Looks like I've got some casting to do if Lars can't help.

Rickshaw · « **Reply #45 on:** August 19, 2014, 06:49:14 PM »

US military completes OV-10 tests, keeps aircraft for now, what is old is new again?

Kerick · « **Reply #46 on:** August 20, 2014, 10:07:23 AM »

I noticed that these aircraft had four bladed props and a "hump" on top of the rear of the center fuselage. I wonder what other visible mods there may be. Would the new props be attached to new engines?

elmayerle · « **Reply #47 on:** August 20, 2014, 10:22:12 AM »

The "hump" looks to be the ALE-47 that the article mentions and I believe the 4-bladed props are associated with the engine upgrade that came in with the OV-10D. While they stayed with the T76/TPE331 engines, they went for a much later and more powerful version than fitted to the OV-10A.

Scooterman · « **Reply #48 on:** August 20, 2014, 10:37:47 AM »

The ALE-47s are chaff/flare units on the outsides of the tail booms. They look like black squares in the mentioned link photo.

The hump is/was a mount for he ALQ-144 "Hot Brick" IR jammer.

The two OV-10G+ airframes tested also had full glass cockpits and a different FLIR/EO ball under the nose than the standard OV-10D/D+. Got pics somewhere.............

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #49 on:** January 03, 2015, 03:28:32 AM »

Jet Bronco anyone?

It is actually the "Corvus" by jflaxman - see here.

finsrin · « **Reply #50 on:** January 03, 2015, 04:16:25 AM »

Inspirational concept for us kitbashers :)

dy031101 · « **Reply #51 on:** August 28, 2020, 04:18:19 AM »

Looks like someone is trying to market a modern-day incarnation:

finsrin · « **Reply #52 on:** August 28, 2020, 08:55:48 AM »

Nice

How about basic unarmed (lighter) version for business/sport flying !


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Author Topic: North American OV-10 Bronco (Read 19999 times)