Sometime in early 1969 (I believe) around mid-morning I was pulled off working on an F-4 to work on this CIA aircraft, the OV-10 Bronco. Battle damage in the wing area. I fabricated one of the best flush patch I had ever done up to that time and even primer and painted it. The pilot inspected and claimed this old dirty repair was the one I had done and chewed me out for doing so sloppy work. I almost blew up. In a condescending voice I showed him the area I had made the repair. He claimed that was the original structure of the aircraft. So I began removing the paint. He told me to stop and asked what was I doing? I explained I only did exceptional repair work on aircraft and if he didn't believe me then I was removing the paint to reveal the flush repair I had made. He finally said he believed me and the ass hole released me and I gladly left. I was determined never to do another repair for these people. Why were they over here anyway I wondered? He wouldn't be the last one I would run into either.
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OV-10 Bronco Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Rockwell OV-10A Bronco Length 41.67 ft | 12.70 m Width 39.70 ft | 12.10 m Height 15.29 ft | 4.66 m Engine(s) 2 x Garrett T76-G-416/417 turboprop engines driving three-blade propellers. Empty Weight 6,969 lbs | 3,161 kg MTOW 14,442 lbs | 6,551 kg Max Speed 281 mph | 452 km/h | 244 kts Max Range 228 miles | 367 km Ceiling 23,999 ft | 7,315 m | 4.5 miles Climb Rate 2,650 ft/min (807.7 m/min) Hardpoints 7 Armament 4 x 7.62mm machine guns OR 1 x 20mm three-barrel gattling gun
