Spring 2009

1

“

Cleared Hot!”

Volume 11 Issue 2

Spring

2009

Eleven Years and Counting

Eleven years ago, in 1998, a group of men sat in a

Colleyville, Texas home looking at old OV-10 pictures mus-
ing about the old days. Before long and a few beers, someone
said, “hey why don’t we form an Associaiton for the Bronco”
and with those words, the OV-10 Bronco Associaiton was
formed. The original founders were; Jack Ballard, Mike
Richardson, Jim Graham, Ron Fix, Chuck Burin, Tom
Skutca, Mike Whaley and Jim Hodgson.

Within weeks, the corporation was formed and paper

work filed with the IRS for the tax exempt status. Emails and
letters were sent announcing the Associaiton and members
started to “enlist.” Not long afterward, we moved into a
closet at the Vintage Flying Musuem and we were off to the
races and haven't looked back since.

Now we have moved into 7,000 square feet of space

on 3 acres with our collection and fifteen aircraft. We have
wings in Belgium, the Philippines, Colombia and Venezuela.
Our worldwide membership is over 400 and we owe it all to
you, our friends and supporters.

To celebrate our birthday, we will hold this year’s

Founders Day picnic on Saturday, July 11, 2009. This family
oriented event gives us all a chance to sit back and enjoy
food, friends and fun and, you are all invited. Festivities will
begin at 1200 and continue throughout the afternoon. We
will burn some dogs and burgers and wash them down with
soda and brew with games for young and old. This year we
are inviting those who helped us with Cowtown Warbird
Roundup to, so it should be a good time. Plan to join us.

Happy Birthday OBA!!

Bronco Fest VII & Cowtown Warbird Roundup

2009 Set Records

Bronco Fest VII and Cowtown

Warbird Roundup 2009 were held to-
gether April 23rd to 26th, 2009 and both
set records.

A total of 150 people traveled to

Fort Worth for the 7th Bronco Fests dat-
ing back to 1998. (The first was the
weekend the OBA was founded..) Many
in attendance were 23rd TASS “Nails”
along with a group of Marine VMO-2 members

While the reunion was in full swing, we held our

largest Cowtown Warbird Roundup (CWR) ever. Sixty clas-
sic to current aircraft (including hot air balloons) arrived for
the weekend and were available to the public all day Saturday.
In addition, we held a classic car show that had forty plus
show cars and a tractor pull competition with 26 antique trac-
tors. The Air Force OV-10 #825, was dedicated to Howie
Pierson, representing all Air Force pilots and Jerry DuFresne
in honor of all backseaters.

This year’s show was again opened by local celeb-

rity and skydiver, Dana Bowman. Throughout the day, visi-
tors enjoyed the aircraft, crews, FAC briefings and vendors of
food and gift items. Pictures of this year’s activities can be
found throughout this newsletter.

CWR 2010 is tentatively scheduled for May 21-23 to

coincide with the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Na-
tional Convention and the Operations Advisory Group (OAG)
symposium ,to be held in Fort Worth. Details to come, but it
may look a lot like a mini Paris Air Show next year.

VMAP Move Completed

On June 12th, 2009, the Veterans Memorial Air Park

completed the move of its aircraft, the Bronco Ready Room
and the Forward Air Controller's Musuem to our new location
on south end of Meacham Field at 3300 Ross Avenue. The
site is a former school and meeting hall. The site contains two
3,500 square foot buildings and 2.5 acres of vacant land.
More details in the next Cleared Hot!

Bronco Remake Coming? See OV-10X Inside.

Spring 2009

2

Fort Worth Aviation Musuem Takes Next Steps

The Mayor of Fort Worth’s Aviation Museum Task Force was dissolved in March after the completion of a Strategic

Plan. The members of the original group were invited to help with a variety of working groups to develop a Foundation to raise
funds for the museum and other administrative duties. One of those groups began working on the requirements for a Request
For Proposal to develop a 10,000 square foot temporary display to be used at the Fort Worth Musuem of Science and History
(FWMSH) in 2011. The RFP went out for bid in May. The 2011 date coincides with the completion of a major expansion of
the FWMSH and the group’s timetable to begin major public fund raising efforts. The Fort Worth Aviation Musuem (FWAM)
is planned to a be 185,000 square feet of indoor space, including a 30,000 square foot restoration facility for aircraft and other
displays. A collection of at least 25 aircraft is also planned.

The 2011 date is also the 100th anniversary of flight here in north Texas. The large temporary display will highlight

the significance of aviation in the development of this region. After six to ten months, that display will be reduced to a perma-
nent 3,500 square foot exhibit in the FWMSH. The display is budgeted at $2,900,000.00. Our collection of aircraft and in par-
ticular the ones with Fort Worth connections, are being considered prime components of the FWAM’s initial collection.

The primary goal of the group, at this point is, preparing a presentation for the Fort Worth City Council on July 14th.

To this point, the City of Fort Worth has committed a $20,000,000 endowment for operating expenses, land for the new building
and ownership of the structure and will provide utilities and maintenance. The FWMSH is considering assuming the responsi-
bility of managing the facility and staff. To complete the process, professional fund raiser will work to gain commitments for up
to $125,000,000. We are an integral part of the development of this museum and look forward to its continued development.

Cowtown Warbird Roundup 2009 & Bronco Fest VII Photos

Bronco Fest VII Award Recipients

At each Bronco Fest, we recognize people for their contribu-
tions to our Associaiton. This year’s recipients are:

Bronco Buster 2009

(voted by the OBA membership)

Johnnie Eller—In recognition of his contribution to the pres-
ervation of the OV-10 Broncos #426 and #825.

Chairman's Award 2009

Tom “Nail 14” Kemp—In recognition of his work as Associa-
tion Treasurer, Membership Coordinator and restoration work.

President’s Award 2009

Dawn Golas—In recognition of her contribution to the Asso-

ciation as Director of Events.

Bronco Hall of Fame 2009

Chuck “Igor” Burin—For his 25+ years as the OV-10 Bronco
Historian.

Board of Director’s Award 2009

Presented in appreciation for service and support to the Veter-
ans Memorial Air Park.

Bill “Spider” Spidle

Chip Bulkeley

John "Digger" Branson

James "Wilbur" Eaton

Henry

Wright

Glenn

Hill

Dave "Frosty" Fassett

Thank you all!!

Spring 2009

3

The OV-10 documentary "One Tough Ride: The Story of the OV-10 Bronco" has just been released.

You can view clips from the documentary at www.OV10film.com

DVDs are $20 within the United States and $25 for international orders. Shipping and handling is included

The OV-10 Bronco Association was instrumental in making this documentary possible.

Visit www.OV10film.com today.

Don’t Forget IRS Deductions with Charitable Giving!!!

Thank you to the sponsors of the Cowtown Warbird Roundup 2009.

Also brought to you in part by:

City of Fort Worth Aviation Department, Sandpiper Aviation, Moritz Chev-

rolet, Thornhill Nissan, , Texas Jet and Mac Churchill Acura.

Dana Bowman

Keep In Touch

If you change your addresses, let us know. Don’t let us lose track of you.

1. Email

. Chuck Burin

,

[e-mail], or call us at 1-800-575-0535, or drop us a note at, Veterans Memorial Air Park,

PO Box 161966, Fort Worth, TX 76161. We are open weekends from 0900-1700, or by appointment.

2. Donations

of artifacts, memorabilia, books, patches, and other Forward Air Control related items are greatly appreciated.

Donation letters are available upon request. Contact us for details. The Bronco Association is a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation.
All or part of a donation may be tax deductible. Ask a tax specialist for details

Spring 2009

4

Eject! Eject! Eject!

Ever wondered how many ejections took place from

the Bronco or any other aircraft for that matter? Your won-
dering is over. We have just become aware of a site called
“PROJECT GET OUT AND WALK.” This is a personal
website that lists all known ejects from all aircraft, world-
wide. It is a monumental work and the OV-10 Bronco has
just been added and the site owner would like our assistance
with filling in some of his gaps.

Take a look at:

http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/index.htm

After you look around, drop Mike a line and tell

him what you think at [e-mail]

More CWR and BF VII

Euro Broncos

Over the last month, we have had a flurry of com-

munications regarding the OV-10B, formerly used by the
German Air Force. It all began with a couple of pictures
from our member in Oslo, Geir Vitnaes. Geir had traveled to
Germany and sent us these photos of static Broncos there.

Within days of receiving these, we heard from our

friends in France who needed help on a technical issue. Dur-
ing that process they sent us this picture of their freshly
painted OV-10B. They are based out of Montélimar and fly
the European air show circuit.

Then, much to our surprise, we heard from our

friends with the German Wing of the OBA, (GWOBA).
Their two airplanes had been at Duxford, UK for the last
three years or so. One is now flying again and back on the
continent, in new paint. Their second Bronco should follow
back to Belgium soon. Thanks all.

Spring 2009

5

The following is excerpted from January 23, 2009 issue of Inside the Air Force:

BOEING LOOKING TO GET INTO LIGHT-ATTACK PLANE MARKET WITH NEW OV-10

As the Air Force contemplates a requirement for a light-attack plane, Boeing has internally put together plans to build a

souped-up modernized version of the Vietnam-era OV-10 Bronco, Inside the Air Force has learned.

While the twin-engine plane would maintain much of its 1960s-vintage rugged external design, the 21st Century edition

would feature a computerized cockpit, intelligence sensors and smart-bomb-dropping capabilities, according to an OV-10(X)
product card obtained by ITAF. The Chicago defense-giant has quietly been circulating plans at military-sponsored events
across the country that detail how the company could rebuild and modernize the Bronco, according to Pentagon and industry
officials.

The timing of the internal project comes as Air Combat Command is studying whether the Air Force should buy a fleet

of light-attack planes to conduct counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, service officials have said
there are a number of opportunities to market this type of aircraft to foreign nations.

Air forces in Colombia and the Philippines still fly legacy versions of the OV-10 attack aircraft.

³Our Global Support Systems team identified a potential, limited volume OV-10 remanufacture opportunity aimed at

foreign customers, and that in turn, has generated some internal interest in marketing it as a solution for potential USAF needs,²
Dave Schweppe, director of business development for Boeing¹s Global Strike Systems, said through a company spokesman.

³We¹re really just in the early stages of understanding emerging customer requirements and are looking at various op-

tions,² he said. In its heyday, the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps all flew the North American Aviation-built OV-10s. The
attack prop earned it stripes during close air support missions in Vietnam in the late 1960s. The aircraft also performed forward
air control, helicopter escort, armed reconnaissance and gunfire-spotting missions.

The rear fuselage compartment of the legacy aircraft could hold 3,200 pounds of cargo, five combat-equipped troops or

two patients and a medical attendant.

The new and improved Bronco would be based on the second-generation OV-10D, which featured a powerful forward-

looking infrared and laser designator/ranger, upgraded engines and fiberglass propellers, according to a historical fact sheet on
Boeing¹s Web site. The updated aircraft is ³designed and built for the full COIN mission,² the product card -- obtained by ITAF
-- notes. ³Specifications and performance are projections based on the OV-10D model updated to current industry standards.²

Like its predecessor, the new OV-10 would have the same payload capacity, giving it ³ample expansion capacity for

evolving needs, including network-centric warfare operations,² the product card states. The new version will also have a nose-
mounted targeting sensor and radar.

The Bronco¹s cockpit would fashion armor to protect the pilot and back-seater. Infrared countermeasures and advanced

missiles warning system are also part of the design.

But unlike the 1960s-era OV-10, the new model would be able to climb 1,200 feet higher to 30,000 feet and fly almost

an hour longer for 6.2 hours, with external fuel tanks, the document states. The turboprop could fly at 12,500 feet on one engine
and off austere runways.

As for weapons, the OV-10(X) could carry rockets, miniguns or stores on four stations, the product card states. Two

stations could carry two .50-caliber machine guns and another 30-millimeter cannon could get mounted under the fuselage. The
aircraft could carry 16 Hellfire missiles on the wings and underbody.

If the Air Force decides to purchase a light-attack plane, dubbed OA-X, Boeing¹s OV-10(X) will have some competi-

tion. The short list of candidates includes the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B, Embrear Super Tucano and U.S. Aircraft Corporation
A-67 Dragon. All three aircraft are single-engine props.

Marcus Weisgerber

OBA sources inside the Boeing Corporation, have responded saying “If you have seen it in print it is probably true.”

In addition, one of our members recently wrote us saying;

“ I found a copy of a Boeing single-sheet info card on what they identify as the OV-10(X) Super Bronco. It has no ID number
or dates, so it is kind of hard to track The front of the card has a photo of what appears to be an OV-10D (BuNo 55395) with a
three-barreled Gatling gun turret centerline on the bottom of the fuselage. The turret is mounted in the center of the main fuse-
lage, well forward of where the YOV-10D had its turret years ago. The card mentions one armament option centerline as the
M230 chain gun (30mm) that is currently used on the AH-64 Apache. Another big change is replacement of the six M-60s with
four AM-M3 .50 cals The image of the cockpit instrumentation (front-seat only) is a glass cockpit of modern standards. A
small image in the upper right corner, above the instrument image, shows a pilot's head with a very advanced helmet and sight
system. No model number. What I found interesting in the frontal-view line drawing (no full 3-view included, unfortunately)
is that the tips of the props are squared off like in the OV-10A, and not curved and swept like on the D model.”

We will keep you informed of any developments we hear of.

Spring 2009

6

Return of the Yankee Air Pirates

When we first started producing the Cowtown War-

bird Roundups, we came up with the idea of a flight suit din-
ner the day aircraft arrived, since many of the crews had no
time to change before dinner. A couple of years later we
started inviting outside guests a added a theme to the dinner to
add to the festivities. This year we knew we would have a
large group of Vietnam era people attending Bronco Fest and
were scratching our
heads for a theme
that would unite
the young war
fighters of today
with the grizzled
old veterans. Try
as we might, noth-
ing seemed right
and then all of a
sudden we discov-
ered this banner.

Searching around we found more evidence that the

Yankee Air Pirates of old were alive and well and had been
since the ‘70. A theme took shape and became “A Gathering
of Yankee Air Pirates.” What finally took place was a pirate
party, complete with flags, patches, costumes and booty.

The return of the Yankee Air Pirate was an immedi-

ate success. We nearly sold out of t-shirts and patches. Then,
over a few beers another great idea surfaced. Why not offer
these items on line and expand the product line?. With this in
mind, we have developed a arrangement with our good friend
Ned “Crash” Helm at Wingset. Ned has a web based business
and we have a PX, so the fit looked great.

Now, all you have to do is point your browser at

www.wingset.com and click the “Military” button and you
will go to the big PX. We still have our PX in the museum,
but Wingset will also handle our products, including the line
of Yankee Air Pirate booty, with more to come. Along with
the YAP products, you will also find hats, patches, shirts,
pins, coins and wooden airplanes. Here are some examples.

Still More CWR & BF VII

Spring 2009

7

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For more information

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Vet

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Park,

PO Box 1

61966, Fo

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76161

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0535.

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The OV-10 Bro

nco Association, Inc. is

a 501(C)

3 nonprofit,

char

itable,

edu

cation

al found

ation

establish

ed to

financially

suppor

t th

e Fo

rt worth

Veteran’s

Memorial Air Park

.

Yes!

I want to support the Fort Worth Veteran’s Memorial

Air Park.

Membership Levels

$1,000 Lifer

Graduated by age. Call or write for details.

[e-mail]

$100 Three-Year membership

$40 One-Year membership

Membership Affiliation

Bronco Association

FAC Museum

Veteran’s Memorial Air Park

Aircraft Support

Aircraft donation $ __________________

Specific aircraft ____________________

General donation

Membership Benefits

› The quarterly “Cleared Hot” electronic newsletter.

› A 20% discount for PX store purchases.

› Use of the OV-10 Bronco Ready Room for meetings and
special events.

› Invitations to special events.

Veteran’s Memorial Air Park On The Move

By now, you should know that we have moved. We are still located on Meacham Field in Fort Worth, but we have

moved about a 1/2 mile south. Since CWR and BF VII, we have been packing our collection, moving aircraft, and renovating
our new 7,000 square foot, 3 acre site. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are all looking forward to our new location.
The summer issue of Cleared Hot! will be devoted to our new home. In the mean time, our websites are unchanged but our new
mailing address is: PO Box 161966, Fort Worth, TX 76161. Our physical location is 3300 Ross Avenue, Fort Worth.

Come for a sneak peak at the Founders Day picnic, July 11th from 1200 to 1600. Bring a plate to pass.

Spring 2009

8

Veterans Memorial Air Park
PO Box 161966
Fort Worth, TX 76161

We ar

e conveniently

located near I-820

and I-35W

just off Ma

in Str

eet at 3300

Ross Avenue,

Fort W

orth,

TX 76106

www.ftwVMAP

.org

Coming in July!

Founder

s Day

Picnic

Com

e join us to celebrate our

11

th birthday on July 11

th from

1200 to

1600.

We are planning an afternoon of

friends, food and fun.

We will also conduct a sneak

preview of our new facilities at

3300 Ross A

venue

Fort Wort

h 76161

South end of Meacham field