SOCOM North American Rockwell OV-10G+ Broncos Startup & Depart at Tri-Cities Airport (KTRI) 07Oct22
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- #SOCOM #OV10Bronco #Aerowephile
A pair of North American Rockwell OV-10G+ Broncos passed over Bristol on their way to a refueling stop at Tri-Cities Airport. These aircraft are a part of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Combat Dragon II program testing aircraft and systems for counterinsurgency and irregular warfare missions.
07Oct22
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These 2 aircraft were built at Patuxent River NAS by an elite team of engineers in record time in a "Black Hole" environment from hulks and parts scrounged from around the world. At that time and to now are the trickiest OV-10s in existence. I met the Team and toured the hanger they used for working their magic while a Consultant to Navair.
Worked on the OV-10A in the early 80's in the USAF fun plane to work on.
Thank you for your service to our country. Amazing how long these birds have lasted in the inventory. Cheers!
Awesome catch!!
Thank you. Was lucky to be outside just as they passed overhead. Otherwise I likely would have missed them and not gotten the opportunity to see these unique aircraft. Cheers!
SOCOM? Why do they have "N" numbers if they are military aircraft?
Information about the Broncos in SOCOM duty - www.twz.com/17162/document-offers-new-details-about-those-ov-10-broncos-that-went-to-fight-isis . These two Broncos were in the process of being transferred to CAL FIRE from NASA, so they are now civilian aircraft with N Numbers - www.key.aero/article/bronco-pair-begins-new-life-fire-bombers .
You did not see them, they were not there.🤫
What are those
These two aircraft are highly modified versions of the OV-10 Bronco light observation platform. Originally intended for Forward Air Control, they have been upgraded for the Combat Dragon II program with some pretty sophisticated electronic systems that makes them excellent hunter/killers. Here is a link to the history of the Bronco aircraft - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Rockwell_OV-10_Bronco Hope this helps. Cheers!
No doubt these planes will see a little low intensity action in Africa.
No doubt these two have already seen some action and will be available to do it again as necessary. Cheers!