Bronco Nogs, US Attack Aircraft 1:48 ICM 48306

Plastic model airplane kit: Bronco NOGS, US Attack Aircraft 1:48 ICM 48306

The plastic model airplane kit: Bronco NOGS, US Attack Aircraft 1:48 ICM 48306 is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts who wish to recreate one of the most unique combat aircraft from the post-1950 era.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalog number: 48306
• Model dimensions: 280 mm length x 255 mm width
• Number of parts: 233

Markings:

• YOV-10D NOGS 155395, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, 1971
• YOV-10D NOGS 155396, Naval Support Activity Binh Thuy, Summer 1971
• YOV-10D NOGS 155395, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, August 1973
• YOV-10D NOGS 155396, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, 1975

History and background: In 1970, two OV-10A Bronco aircraft were modified to assess their combat capabilities at night. This modification was named NOGS — Night Observation Gunship System. These aircraft were equipped with an extended nose section with a turret containing a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) system and a laser rangefinder. Under the fuselage, a turret with a 20 mm General Electric M197 cannon was mounted, which was aimed using the FLIR system.

By the end of 1970, both aircraft were sent to China Lake Air Force Base for testing, and by April 1971, they were deployed in Vietnam for combat trials. They operated as part of the light attack squadron VAL-4 “Black Ponies,” conducting evening and night missions. The YOV-10D aircraft flew in various configurations: in pairs, alongside an OV-10A, or with an escort of two OV-10A aircraft.

During their mission in Vietnam, these aircraft completed 207 missions, demonstrating exceptional operational effectiveness, which resulted in positive evaluations of their combat performance. By the end of August 1971, both YOV-10D aircraft returned to the United States for further testing with slightly modified equipment.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.