Quote: "Boeing is considering the possibility of restarting production of the OV-10 Bronco turboprop, a Vietnam-era light attack and observation aircraft last produced in 1976.
The company confirms that the OV-10 could be offered as either a light attack or intra-theatre light cargo aircraft for the US Air Force. The international market is also driving interest in the slow-flying aircraft, which blends some of the observational capabilities of a helicopter with the range of a fixed-wing aircraft.
Boeing has cited recent USAF interest in acquiring a light attack aircraft as a possible reason to revive OV-10 production.
Although known for its surveillance prowess, the OV-10 remains in combat service in four countries: Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Venezuela, with a weapons load at least equivalent to the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. Some of those countries, and perhaps new customers, could seek remanufactured or new production OV-10s as their current fleets wear out."
There's always something good about keeping things simple. And with the bruited costs of refurbishing Vietnam-era Cobras verging on the insane, maybe this could be a better proposition. Only problem is if Boeing's current overhead structure makes the price go through the roof. Perhaps they might outsource production to someplace less expensive but still technologically proficient?
TexL1649 From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 239 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (4 years 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 5390 times:
Terrific idea, but I kind of think Rutan could( or has) come up with a cheaper/more modern alternative.
WarRI1 From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 6496 posts, RR: 8 Reply 2, posted (4 years 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 5390 times:
Quoting DEVILFISH (Thread starter): Perhaps they might outsource production to someplace less expensive but still technologically proficient?
A question, are we not in enough economic trouble now in the US with job loss without someone advocating sending more of them overseas.? If they do decide to start the production of this aircraft again, I sure hope it is in this country which needs the jobs to help the economy.
It is better to die on your feet, than live on your knees.
DEVILFISH From Philippines, joined Jan 2006, 4429 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (4 years 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 5372 times:
Quoting WarRI1 (Reply 2): A question, are we not in enough economic trouble now in the US with job loss without someone advocating sending more of them overseas.?
Advocating is different from asking a valid question. If they could keep costs down while keeping production in the US and still come up with a competitive product, then well and good.
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