Not sure how practical it is, but the RAF or British Army buy a few OV-10 for recce work over Northern Ireland (faster than a helicopter, more suited to the role than the Islanders). During a joint peacekeeping op (Beiruit?) a British officer mentions how well they performed to a USMC or US Army officer. The USMC/Army realise the potential usefulness and lobby for a couple of squadrons worth. They look to be on their way to the scrapheap by the early 90s when US involvement in Bosnia again shows the requirement for a (relatively) cheap to run recce asset in non-war operations.
AHC: OV 10 remains in service during the War on Terror
- Thread starter La Rouge Beret
- Start date
Not sure how practical it is, but the RAF or British Army buy a few OV-10 for recce work over Northern Ireland (faster than a helicopter, more suited to the role than the Islanders). During a joint peacekeeping op (Beiruit?) a British officer mentions how well they performed to a USMC or US Army officer. The USMC/Army realise the potential usefulness and lobby for a couple of squadrons worth. They look to be on their way to the scrapheap by the early 90s when US involvement in Bosnia again shows the requirement for a (relatively) cheap to run recce asset in non-war operations.
One of the reasons the USMC gave up the OV10 was the airframes we're wearing out. SLE was considered but promises we're made about new wonderwaffe just over the horizon. Those promises also killed purchase of new Bronco types, which were investigated back then.
La Rouge Beret
Donor
How can questions be raised over the wonderwaffe, or those projects axed as part of the peace dividend, thereby giving a stay of execution to the Broncos?
Maybe as a result of The Battle of Mogadishu (“Blackhawk Down”) in 1993, the Navy or Air Force experments with using the Broncos as a cheap SAR escort, a poor man’s AD-1 Akyraider.
In 1995 the rescue of Scott O’Grady in Bosnia by the USMC 24th MEU does not go smoothly. Maybe a helicopter or two is lost. You could have a Bronco flying off the deck of a carrier taking part in the rescue.
In 1995 the rescue of Scott O’Grady in Bosnia by the USMC 24th MEU does not go smoothly. Maybe a helicopter or two is lost. You could have a Bronco flying off the deck of a carrier taking part in the rescue.
La Rouge Beret
Donor
Yeah good suggestions, perhaps used again over Haiti and then Bosnia. Left field option USMV squadron in support of Interfet in 1999.