OV-10A Bronco American assault aircraft 1:72 ICM 72185

Plastic model airplane to assemble: OV-10A Bronco American attack aircraft 1:72 ICM 72185

The plastic model to assemble OV-10A Bronco in 1:72 scale from ICM is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This detailed kit allows you to recreate one of the most iconic attack aircraft used by the armed forces of the United States during the Vietnam War.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: 72185
• The kit includes external weapons: bombs, unguided rockets, and fuel tanks with incendiary mix
• Decals for 4 variants of markings from the Vietnam War period

Markings:

1. OV-10A 155427, Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2), Marble Mountain Air Facility, Vietnam, 1969
2. OV-10A 155495, Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4) "Black Ponies", Binh Thuy, 1969
3. OV-10A 67-14649, 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Da Nang, 1972
4. OV-10A 155472, Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4) "Black Ponies", Binh Thuy, 1969

History and characteristics of the OV-10A Bronco: The OV-10A Bronco is an American twin-engine attack and observation aircraft, designed in the 1960s as a specialized aircraft for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. Its main task was to direct air fire (FAC). The aircraft could carry up to 1450 kg of external weapons and internal loads, such as paratroopers or stretchers, and could stay in the air for over three hours.

The aircraft featured a central fuselage housing the pilots and cargo, as well as twin tail booms with turboprop engines. Its design allowed for operations from forward bases, short takeoffs and landings, including on aircraft carriers and large amphibious ships, without the use of catapults or arrestor wires. The OV-10 could take off and land on unpaved surfaces, and repairs could be carried out with standard tools. The engines could run on high-octane automotive fuel with minimal power loss.

The aircraft had very good maneuverability and could fly for 5.5 hours with external fuel tanks. The cockpit provided excellent visibility due to the wide "greenhouse" glazing. Ejection seats were standard, saving many pilots during service. After removing the second seat, the aircraft could carry 1450 kg of cargo, five paratroopers, or two patients on stretchers with a caregiver.

Under the fuselage, there were sponsons that improved flight performance by reducing aerodynamic drag. Typically, four 7.62 mm caliber M60C machine guns and four bomb, pod, or fuel racks were mounted on the sponsons. The wings, besides the engines, had additional weapon racks.

During the Vietnam War, OV-10A aircraft were extensively used due to their ability to quickly respond to the needs of ground units. Their combat operations continued even after the war ended, and these aircraft were successfully used by air forces around the world.

Kit for self-assembly and painting. 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.