The OV-10 Bronco, which was used during the Vietnam War, has been used by the US Air Force in the campaign against IS militants in Iraq and Syria.

It is known that the US Army used the OV-10 Bronco in Iraq and Syria to see if they could replace the F-15 and F/A-18.

While the F-15 costs up to $40,000 per flight, the Bronco only costs about $1,000 per hour in the air.

The OV-10 Bronco is a light attack aircraft, reconnaissance, target designation developed by North American Rockwell since the 1960s. 360 were produced from 1965-1986, mainly for the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps. In addition, it was exported to a number of allied countries.

The first war that the OV-10 participated in was in Vietnam with the role of ground attack, fire support for special forces as well as reconnaissance and target attack.

The design of the OV-10 Bronco aircraft focuses on operating well at field bases. It can perform short, poor quality runway takeoffs and landings, take off from aircraft carriers or landing ships without catapults and arresting cables. It can even use car gasoline to run the engine in case of running out of fuel.

The cockpit of the OV-10 is considered to have a great view for the captain and co-pilot. When needed, people can remove the seats to carry 1.5 tons of cargo or 5 paratroopers, special forces, turning it into a light transport aircraft.

The OV-10 is 12.67m long, 4.62m high, has a wingspan of up to 12.19m, and a maximum take-off weight of 6.55 tons.

The aircraft is equipped with two T76-G-410 or 412 turboprop engines for a maximum flight speed of 452km/h, a range of 927km, and a ceiling of 7.3km.

With the ability to fly at low altitudes and at slow speeds, the OV-10 is truly a nemesis to enemy infantry. Of course, it must be accompanied by a “small but mighty” arsenal of 7-19 70mm or 127mm rocket launchers; 12.7mm machine gun pods, 250kg bombs, and 4 fixed 7.62mm M60C machine guns. In addition, when needed, it can carry AIM-9 heat-seeking air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

The OV-10 Bronco uses these weapons to attack extremists on the ground, preventing them from escaping from the infantry.

With the advantage of being cheap and durable, this type of aircraft is still used by many countries around the world, especially appearing in asymmetric conflicts such as in Syria – when the enemy’s air defense system is basically useless.