Designing The OV-10A Forward Air Control and Light Attack Aircraft

The design of the OV-10A accepted the challenge of interpreting basic concepts founded on counterinsurgency experience and developing a weapon system, which would provide effective air support for COIN and other low intensity operations. Maximum reliability and survivability were required in a low cost machine that must be easy to operate and maintain. The North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco exemplifies the results of the purposeful program to integrate the experience and knowledge from many disciplines toward a common goal. The degree to which this effort was effective is shown by its highly successful performance in Southeast Asia.