However, just what aircraft will replace the Bronco is still up in the air. It was reported last year that they were looking at Chinese and Russian airframes, however it seems that for the Bronco replacement at least, the Brazilians are now the apparent front-runners. The article "Air Force to purchase 16 Super Tucano fighters" from the Jakarta Post on Jan. 24, 2010 states that the Broncos will be replaced by Brazilian-made Embraer Super Tucanos, which are in widespread service in several countries in the COIN role. This article states:

"The Indonesian Air Force plans to purchase a squadron of 16 warplanes widely known as Super Tucanoes to replace the OV-10 Bronco aircraft, which have been in service for more than three decades, says Air Force Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat. ... 'The purchase is part of our effort to improve the Air Force's weaponry system. We have proposed the purchase to the government with the hope that they will grant the funds,' he said in Yogyakarta on Saturday."

Previous articles (from late 2009) had indicated that Indonesia desired to obtain replacement aircraft from Russia and China, however it appears that this route may now be much more likely to happen with the Hawk's replacement than that for the Broncos.

An excellent analysis on the situation has been published at Defense Industry Daily on Jan. 25, 2010, entitled "Indonesia Looking for Trainer/Attack Aircraft". They state:

"There are conflicting reports regarding the presence of a signed Super Tucano contract. If there is no contract, and the Super Tucano sale falls through for any reason, Indonesia would have several options. They could default to a common jet solution for the Hawks and OV-10s, or begin work with a foreign country like China or South Korea to modify an existing aircraft as their OV-10 replacement, or buy a ready-made Super Tucano alternative. Other propeller-driven FAC/COIN options already in the market include Hawker Beechcraft's AT-6B (modified T-6 trainer, in development, tentatively ordered by Iraq), and the cheaper, sturdier AC-802u Air Tractor (modified and armored crop duster/ firefighter, prototype produced). Both are American products. Korea's KO-1 Woong Bee armed derivative of its KT-1 trainer is reportedly in limbo, but Indonesia has reportedly already bought some KT-1s; if true, this could make the KA-1/KO-1 a joint development option for the 2 countries."

Will religion shoot down the Super Tucano?

A&S is one of the most interesting aviation mags out there and we heartily endorse getting a subscription, but you don't have to be a subscriber to read the article as it's posted online as well:

• Article: http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/Legends-of-Vietnam-Broncos-Tale.html
• Photo Gallery: http://www.airspacemag.com/multimedia/photos/?articleID=82258917&c=y
• Video Clip: http://www.airspacemag.com/multimedia/videos/One-Tough-Airplane.html

The US State Department's fleet of OV-10D and OV-10G Broncos, which were until recently used to fly anti-narcotics spray missions in Central and South America, are now being sent on to begin new lives in a variety of roles and locations throughout the United States. Best of all, many will continue to fly!

CDF's Ferry Flight Here are some shots of CDF's preparations and the coast-to-coast ferry flight to bring their OV-10D's from Maryland to California. Photos courtesy Mel Clouser.

On December 16, 2009, three OV-10D Broncos which were recently retired from anti-narcotics service with the US State Department took off from a storage facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, bound for Sacramento, CA, to serve as aerial firefighting spotter and control aircraft with the CDF (Calif. Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CalFire). The three Broncos (BuNos 155395, 155406 and 155502) were "de-preserved" and flown back to California on a four day cross country flight, arriving in Sacramento on Saturday, December 19th. The depreservation crew consisted of OBA Director (and "Doctor of Broncology") Melvin Clouser (mechanic), Tony Agosto (Quality Control Rep), Marty Buno (CalFire Rep) and Russ Looney (Test Pilot), while the ferry flight crew consisted of Todd Deline (Pilot), Lee Donham (Pilot), Ray DiLorenzo (Pilot) and Melvin Clouser (Mechanic). The three Broncos are now parked on CalFire's ramp alongside the existing fleet of OV-10A Broncos. The D's await annual inspections, which likely won't happen for several months. It's unclear whether they will be "donor" airframes or will be converted to fly for the firefighting efforts. If so, they will have their armor plating, spray equipment, and other modifications not useful to the CDF's mission removed.

Just before that, another Bronco went to a new home in Florida. Bob Finer sent us the following write-up: "On December 10, 2009, OV-10 Bronco BuNo 155447, after being de-preserved and serviced, was test flown and delivered to the Lee County Florida Mosquito Control District (LCMCD) by retired Marine Corps LtCol and former Bronco pilot Bob Finer. Serving as technical consultant and assisting in the process was Bronco Mech and retired Marine Master Sergeant, Melvin Clouser. Finer and Clouser served together in VMO-2 almost thirty years ago. This particular aircraft, while in Marine "green", was flown by VMO-1 as an A model before being converted to a D model during the 1970's. It was then later modified to the "D-plus" configuration through the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in the late 1980's. After service in the Marine Corps, this aircraft was acquired by the U.S. State Department where it was modified for use in their counternarcotics program. Clouser worked with the LCMCD maintenance contingent of Al Bennett and Dave Statler in the de-preservation and flight preparation, while Finer's counterpart in the flight checks and delivery process was Robert Roper, one of the pilots on the Bronco program for LCMCD."

Note: The photos Bob sent sent show a plane with a four-bladed prop, which would seem to indicate the plane has actually been upgraded to the G-model standard (updated engines, props, and avionics)... however I'm a bit unclear as to if the photos were of the specific aircraft sent to LCMC, or if any of the D's got only a prop upgrade. In any case, G-model Broncos can be considered as a modernized D-model.

The remainder of the former DOS Bronco fleet, all of which are ex-USMC OV-10D models and a few modernized OV-10G models, are being distributed throughout the country. Here are the ones we are currently aware of.

The GSA has sent the following BuNos to the following states. Please let us know if you can fill in the blanks further!

• BuNo 155395 - Calif. Dept. of Forestry & Fire Prot. (CDF), CA (OV-10D) **
• BuNo 155406 - Calif. Dept. of Forestry & Fire Prot. (CDF), CA (OV-10D)
• BuNo 155409 - Valiant Air Command Museum, Titusville, FL (OV-10G)
• BuNo 155417 - New York
• BuNo 155436 - Russell Military Museum, Zion, IL
• BuNo 155447 - Lee County Mosquito Control District, FL (OV-10D+ [G?])
• BuNo 155451 - Tennessee
• BuNo 155470 - South Carolina
• BuNo 155474 - Vermont
• BuNo 155502 - Calif. Dept. of Forestry & Fire Prot. (CDF), CA (OV-10D)

A word of caution... please note that whenever significant numbers of any highly sought-after warbird like the OV-10 become available, a flurry of rumors and misinformation always seems to accompany it... so until actual possession of airframes can be verified or we learn from people directly involved, it can be difficult to confirm who is "actually" receiving an aircraft as opposed to the folks who sometimes claim "they're going to" when in fact they aren't on the final list. Nevertheless, here's the info on other new owners (or rumors of such) that we've compiled thus far. Note that the GSA often actually retains ownership rights for some period of time (typically 5 years) before the new owners actually assume full possession of the aircraft, especially in the case of museums and training schools.

• NASA is receiving two G models (this is an engine, prop, and avionics modernization program offered by Marsh Aviation in Arizona, which was originally developed by the Colombian Air Force) which will join their existing Bronco fleet used for scientific research. (Confirmed!)
• The Lee County Mosquito Control District (LCMCD) in Florida received OV-10D+ BuNo 155447. (Confirmed!)
• Valiant Air Command Museum in Titusville, FL has been confirmed to have received an airworthy G-model Bronco with no restrictions against flight. It will live in the new Vietnam hangar currently being built and should be viewable at their annual March airshow. We believe this to be BuNo 155409. (Confirmed!)
• The State of Georgia is said to have received one Bronco (Unconfirmed)
• Russell Military Museum, Zion, Illinois has already taken possession of BuNo 155436. They have a bunch of boxes including engines and props. (Confirmed)
• There had been some serious proposals for transferring these planes to a foreign country for government/military service, but it now appears that this idea may have fallen through. (Proposal confirmed, outcome speculatory)
• Boeing's OV-10X proposal for the USAF's LAAR project might have used one or more of these airframes as a demonstration platform, however it is being speculated by many that the OV-10X is rather unlikely to come to fruition. (Logically, restarting the OV-10 production line offers additional challenges over adapting an aircraft currently in widespread active service, such as the Super Tucano or AT-6 Texan II, although neither of these offers all of the unique features of the Bronco.)

We'll bring you more information as we learn it.

Bronco in storage in Maryland Pilot Bob Finer "Doctor" Mel Clouser Note that this Bronco has been upgraded to a new, 4-blade prop.

For the first time ever, all Marines who served in VMO units from the Bronco era, from the first combat flight of a VMO-1 Bronco in 1968 to the deactivation of VMO-4 in 1994, will have a reunion encompassing all VMO units! For more info, see the reunion website at www.vmoreunion.com. VMO-2 vet Cyla Barron-Huber is organizing this event, and she's looking for your photos and stories to make it better.... please contact her at xwm.vmo2@a@.net if you can help! This is a reunion that's not to be missed, and it's not just about the Bronco, it's about each other.

Jerry with his O-2 at NKP in 1967 Jerry at the 2008 FAC Reunion, Colorado Springs (Gary Dikkers photo) Jerry at the Gathering of Nails, April 2009 (Dave Perdue photo)

We are sad to report the passing of LtCol Jerry Noel Stephan, Nail 57, on Friday Nov. 20, 2009, after a battle with multiple cancers. He was 67 years old. In the early days of the VMAP, Jerry joined up and took upon himself the task of restoring our O-2A to display condition, quickly throwing himself into the project with a fervor and dedication that surprised many. That first O-2 had actually crashed and been removed from service, and it took a huge amount of work to get it into the fine display condition that it's in now. Later, he worked on our other Duck, among other things.

More important than his hard work towards building the museum, Jerry was just plain a good guy and a good friend to a great many people. Jerry was an Air Force fighter pilot and FAC during Vietnam, and had the unique distinction of getting attacked by an An-2 biplane while flying a mission in an O-2! (Obviously he did manage to escape, but it took a while to convince anyone what had happened.) During the last several years, Jerry was really enjoying re-connecting with old friends as well as making many new ones. Despite his illness, he continued to stay as involved as he could in the museum and in the organization, right up until just a few short weeks before he passed away. In the end, Jerry had the blessings of family and friends surrounding him through a difficult battle, and we know that we have been made better people for having been able to know him.

Jerry is survived by his children, Vincent, Scott and Shauna Stephan; his mother Dorothy; his brother Ronald; beloved grandchildren Mackenzie, Harrison and Julia Stephan; and a multitude of extended family members and friends.

Fellow FAC Ned "Crash" Helm posted the following on FACNet about Jerry, which bears repeating:

To those of you who never met Jerry here are some pix and his story from Cleared Hot I. Jerry is not a statistic... he is a Bud... who had good times and bad...

He arrived in Viet Nam as an F-4 back seater and then was whisked away to be a FAC and ended up as Nail 57 at NKP. Besides being a Nail on the trail his claim to fame was getting bounced by an AN-2 Colt. That story is attached. His score card includes a Silver Star and numerous DFCs and air medals.... but they really are not the measure of a man. What struck me most was his absolute dedication to preserving the past (he has been accused of living there!!). To that end he is a fervent supporter of the FACM/OBA and almost single handedly restored a magnificent O-2 (if one can use O-2 and magnificent in the same sentence LOL) which graces the FACM.

Again, as Ned said: "Snappy salute to a FAC, Fighter Pilot, and restorer of our history."

There was a slight delay for a historic reason... the volunteers were witness to the spectacular sight of the Space Shuttle Discovery being ferried on the back of NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (N911NA), which landed at the base to refuel during the trip back to Florida from Edwards AFB in California where the STS-127 mission landed last week. With only 6 more shuttle flights scheduled, it's very likely that this amazing sight will never be repeated until the orbiters make one last fligth to their final display locations after they are retired next year.

Despite the delay, the airframes were mostly delievered to VMAP by about 1 PM. The tail section of the TA-4J remains at the JRB, but will be retrieved soon. There was an issue with the crane the Marines brought not being able to lift the F-4C over the fence at the VMAP, but some friends from the city were able to assist a couple of days later so the Rhino's now safely in our "petting zoo" as well. There are some odds and ends yet to do but (mentally at least) getting the planes to our facility is a HUGE boost to our efforts! Members of the media from DFW People and NAS News were in attendance when the aircraft arrived, so we anticipate some positive media coverage of our activities.

A huge THANK YOU for all who helped out on this effort. The VMAP continues to grow due to the work of many hard-working volunteers, so that we can make sure that the deep history these aircraft represent will be shared and preserved for many more generations to come.

The Shuttle Discovery and the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft arrive at JRB Ft. Worth. Igor wanted to know where exactly at the VMAP we were going to put this one.	The F-4 being prepped for loading on the trailer.
Up we go...	...and set 'er down gently.
Loading the front end of the Scooter on the trailer. It would have been too large to trailer had the tail been left attached.	The Rhino arrives at VMAP after a safe road trip.
The A-4 being offloaded at VMAP. This was the only Navy carrier jet that didn't have folding wings.	Welcome to your new home, little Scooter!

FORT WORTH, TX: The Veterans Memorial Air Park (VMAP) is set to recover two static display aircraft from the Joint Reserve Base Ft. Worth (Carswell Field) on Sunday, September 20th at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at its facility at 3300 Ross Avenue in Fort Worth.

Both of these aircraft have been on static display at the air base since the late 1980s. Recently, both of these aircraft became available to the VMAP through an aircraft loan program with the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.

The TA-4J Skyhawk was built by Douglas as a two seat trainer. This model also served as a Fast FAC, forward air control aircraft during the Vietnam War era. Prior to being put on display at the JRB, this "Scooter," number 158073, served with the US Navy and US Marine Corps in numerous locations, including Kingsville, Texas, many US locations, Cuba, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Some of the squadrons this aircraft operated in include; Training Squadrons, 4, 7, 21, 22; Navy Composite Squadrons 1, 5, 8 & 10; and several others before its last active squadron, VX-5 in China Lake, CA.

The USAF F-4C Phantom II (#64-0825) was built by McDonnell in 1965, it served with the 4520th CCTW at Nellis AFB, NV and the 4453rd CCTW at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. In 1966 it deployed to the 366th TFW at Da Nang AB, RVN where it remained in-theater until 1970, also serving with the 12th TFW. It then returned to the States with the 479th TFW & 35th TFW at George AFB, CA. Next it was transferred to to the 170th TFS/183rd TFG at Springfield ANGB, IL, the 142nd FIG at Klamath-Falls ANGB, OR and finally, last serving with the 301st TFW Carswell AFB, TX in 1987.

These two aircraft will become the sixteenth and seventeenth aircraft in the VMAP collection's air park. The VMAP has recently moved from it previous location on Meacham Field and now occupies five acres for aircraft display near it's museum and storage facility. The new museum is not yet open to the public while renovations are in progress. When open (in the next few months) the B-36 Peacemaker Museum, along with the Forward Air Controller's Museum and the OV-10 Bronco Association, will share the display space.

The VMAP, through it's parent organization, the OV-10 Bronco Association, Inc., is a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to the preservation of historic aircraft and the education and of our local community regarding the history of aviation in Fort Worth and North Texas.

Zoomed-in detail of the recently-released OV-10X graphic released by Boeing. Click here to view hi-res, un-cropped version. Credit: Boeing via Flightglobal.com

Interestingly, Trimble reports that some of the OV-10X's main competition are other updated planes from the past, as well as several aircraft originating outside the USA. Mentioned is the Piper Aircraft PA-48 Enforcer (an aborted project from the 1980's that married a turboprop to a P-51 Mustang airframe), newer turboprop fighter-trainers, such as the Raytheon AT-6 Texan II (a derivative of the T-6 trainer currently fielded by the USAF and Navy), the Embraer Super Tucano (which has combat history with various countries worldwide), and Alenia's transonic twin-jet M 346 trainer (which is based upon a join venture between Alenia and Russia's Yakovlev as the Yak-130). It certainly appears, however, that the OV-10 has by far the strongest combat record in the COIN/CAS role, and many feel it's certainly the most flexible aircraft of the group.

To be fair, other factors may help other competitors in other ways. Some others are in current production; the T-6/AT-6 is in current front-line service with two branches of the US military and thus may have a significant advantage in the important area of logistics and support. Right or wrong, as exemplified by the ongoing mess with the KC-X tanker contract, the current political climate often favors outsourcing military projects to other countries in order to pander to worldwide interests over supporting domestic procurement, either in full or in part. Furthermore, the USAF is infamous for favoring "sexy", exotic, and expensive weapons systems over those which are simpler, less expensive, but not as "glamorous" while getting the same job done. Hopefully the famous object lesson of the A-10 (which sadly, is still viewed with distain by some in the USAF leadership chain who apparently remain more focused on glamor than effectiveness and results) will carry forth regardless of the winner of this competition, and bring us the most effective aircraft possible. Fortunately for the OV-10X, providing brutal effectiveness in it's roles, at a relatively low cost, is one area in which the Bronco always shined more brightly than most of it's contemporaries! Boeing is a force to be reckoned with, and the Bronco's proven history over 4 decades of service in a wide variety of roles and environments will ensure that it is a very serious competitor.

You can learn more about this 42 minute film, view and download film clips and interviews, and purchase it on DVD at http://www.ov10film.com/.

All,

Wanted to let you know how significant this day is to your OV-10 Bronco Association, the Forward Air Controllers Museum, and the Veteran's Memorial Air Park in Fort Worth - WE HAVE OFFICIALLY MOVED!

See the new facility on Google Street View: View Larger Map

Today we finally moved the last of our collection out of the Vintage Flying Museum which has been our home for 10 years. Specifically, we moved the OV-10 factory mock up (our first aircraft), the gray NAIL O-2 (Jerry's Duck - our second aircraft), and the tail boom from one of the two prototype YOV-10's. We are now located in our new facilities at the south end of Meacham Airport and hope to have the museum and air park re-established by sometime in September. This has been a monumental effort by the Fort Worth crew and I'm proud of all of them! We did the impossible in only six weeks after the Cowtown Warbird Roundup at the end of April. Many of the Nails and VMO-2 alumni were at that CWR and saw the museums prior to moving -- you wouldn't recognize the place now!

We hope that many of you will visit us next year at the next CWR (in conjunction with the MCAA reunion here in May) or at the Forward Air Controller's Association bi-annual reunion next October. Specific dates are still to be determined. In the meantime, here is our new address information:

Mailing address:

OBA (or FACM or VMAP)
P. O. Box 161966
Fort Worth, TX 76161

Phone Number: 800-575-0535

Websites:

www.OV-10Bronco.net
www.FACMuseum.org

Physical address: [For visits only - DO NOT send mail here]

3300 Ross Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76106

If you are in the DFW area and would like to help set up the new museum, drop me an email!

If you are passing through and would like to visit, also drop me an email.

Or you can call my cell phone and let me know: 817-637-5918.

Click To Download The BroncoFest VII Registration Form Adobe PDF Document, 40 KB Updated 3/24/2009 NOTE: Includes Corrected Phone Number!!

We are including many of the events from past years, along with a few new twists here and there, including a FAC Symposium. Discounts will be available for multi-day and early registrations. (Please note that the prices for some events have been _lowered since the first announcement of BF VII/CWR was published... so if you've already registered, we will give you the better price!)

Some of the featured activities include a Lockheed Martin Plant Tour (Carswell AFB), Museum Tour, Cowtown Warbird Roundup pre-show VIP Access, Flight Suit Dinner, Cowtown Warbird Roundup w/ VIP Access, lunches, banquets, dinners, and more! Some of these events require pre-registration, so don't wait too long to register.

Download CWR Flyer: PDF (696 KB) Large JPG (2250x3300, 744 KB) Smaller JPG (800x1035, 235 KB)

Hotel registrations will be handled directly with our Bronco Fest VII headquarters, the Radisson Hotel Fort Worth-Fossil Creek. A separate web site is being set up for direct registration (click here). Their special discount rate will be $109.00 per night single or double occupancy. Or you can call them directly at (817) 625-9911 and ask for the Bronco Fest Special.

The Friday night Flight Suit Dinner and the Saturday night Bronco Fest Banquet will both be held at the Radisson.

In addition to all this, we are pleased to announce our new corporate sponsor for CWR, Texas Aviation Services. All CWR activities and events will take place at their corporate location at Meacham Field on Main Street. Bronco Fest VII attendees will have special access to a VIP Pavilion in the Texas Aviation Services facility.

Please note that as is the case throughout the OV-10 Bronco Association, we welcome and wish to fully include EVERYONE who has any interest in the OV-10 or the Bronco Community... not just those who flew, worked on, served with, designed, or were otherwise associated with the plane.

We are anticipating 60 plus warbirds to fly in for the weekend for the Cowtown Warbird Roundup and many other activities and events related to it.

If you have questions, please contact Jim Hodgson.

We hope to see you there!

Here is a list of links to articles and blogs we've been alerted to which are related to the current rumblings about re-starting OV-10 production. It also includes some material that better explains the background and justifications for doing so:

Flight International - 'Boeing considers restarting OV-10 production after 23-year hiatus' (Stephen Trimble)
News article about the possible re-activation of the Bronco production

Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) - 'Counterinsurgency Aircraft Procurement: An Acquisition Approach'

Small Wars Journal - 'A Method & Estimate For Counterinsurgency Aircraft Procurement' (Maj. David L. Peeler, Jr.)

Boyd Conference 2008 - 'Expanding U.S. Tactical Aviation's "Approved Belief"' (Dan Moore)
Not OV-10 specific, but some very interesting observations on the school of thought within the US command structure that discouraged low-altitude operations, which eventually pushed the Bronco out of US military service.

Veteran's Memorial Air Park OV-10 Bronco Association & Forward Air Controller's Museum P. O. Box 161966 Fort Worth, TX 76161

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FORT WORTH, TX . The Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park (FTW VMAP) has announced plans to recover and restore four aircraft with significant ties to Fort Worth. The OV-10 Bronco Association, owner and operator of the FTW VMAP and Forward Air Controller's Museum (FACM) plan to display these aircraft at Meacham Field as soon as their homecomings can be financed and arranged.

The "Fort Worth Four," as the museum refers to them are:

1. An Air Force F-111E "Aardvark" built in Fort Worth by General Dynamics in 1970.
2. A Navy/Marine Corps RF-8G "Crusader" built in Grand Prairie by Chance-Vought in 1960 and served at Navy Dallas with Marine Photo-Reconnaissance Squadron VMJ-4.
3. An Air Force TF-102 "Delta Dagger" built in Fort Worth by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, Convair, in 1958 and served at various locations throughout Texas.
4. A Navy A-7 "Corsair II" built by Vought in 1968.

Each of these aircraft has significant links to Fort Worth and the DFW Metroplex.

For instance, "there is no example on the F-111 on display anywhere in the Metroplex, even though 563 of them were produced at what is now the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth," says Jim Bloomberg, Director of Aircraft Operations for the museum. This particular airplane spent most of its career in Great Britain before it was decommissioned and sent to the aircraft boneyard in Arizona to await disposition. "Another museum wanted this airplane but eventually defaulted on the transfer," Bloomberg added. The aircraft is still in a salvage facility waiting recovery, nearly four years later. If not recovered, this aircraft will be destroyed for scrap.

The RF-8 is a true combat veteran. It started life with Navy Photo-Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63. It, along with others, flew dangerous missions over Laos and Southeast Asia before the Vietnam War began. In fact, an RF-8, like this one, was the first casualty of that conflict. Later, this airplane was transferred to the Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment at NAS Dallas. Many Marines in the Metroplex have a history with this airplane. Most recently, it was part of a display in Mobile, Alabama but was damaged by hurricane Katrina and returned to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. There, it was discovered by members of the Veteran's Memorial Air Park on a recovery mission of an A-4 "Skyhawk." "The airplane was slated to be a target on a bombing range in Florida until we said we wanted it for our Veteran's Memorial Air Park," Bloomberg stated. "This airplane is a combat veteran," Bloomberg continued "and it deserves a better fate than to be blown up for practice. Our air park will be a perfect place to honor the people who flew and served with this airplane and ones like it," Bloomberg added.

The TF-102 is a two seat version of the "single seat fighter" and is a very rare airplane in its own right. Only 85 aircraft were produced. The forward fuselage of these airplanes were built by Convair in Fort Worth and shipped to San Diego for final assembly. The "Deuce" was used as a pilot trainer for the B-58 "Hustler" bomber and F-102's. This airplane also served in several Air Force squadrons throughout Texas.

The A-7 "Corsair II," was built in both Air Force and Navy version by Vought in Grand Prairie. This particular airplane served with various Navy ground attack squadrons, including VA-25, VA-122, VA-204 and VA-304. It made several carrier cruises and was damaged in combat by surface to air enemy fire and safely returned aboard its ship.

"These four aircraft are worthy of being saved and displayed as memorials to the people who flew and supported them in defense of our freedoms," stated Jim Hodgson, President of the OV-10 Bronco Association. "As each of these airplanes arrives here in Fort Worth we will give them a homecoming befitting veterans," Hodgson added.

The Veteran's Memorial Air Park through the OV-10 Bronco Association (OBA) is conducting fund raising efforts to save these airplanes for the Fort Worth community. The OBA is a certified 501(C)3 non profit corporation chartered for educational purposes, so donations and gifts are tax deductible.

Each aircraft have a variety of costs associated with their recovery and restoration, such as transfer fees, transportation costs, crane rentals, supplies, lodging and travel expenses and others. They all have a different set of circumstances associated with their acquisition and final display. All aircraft are non-flying and will only be for static display. They will come to the museum on loan either through the National Museum of Naval Aviation or through the Texas Government Surplus Property Program. None of these aircraft have ties to the US Air Force.

The total cost to return all four of these airplanes to Fort Worth will be $42,500. To date, the museum has raised just over $15,000 toward that goal. Each is being handled separately under individual accounts.

The F-111 is the closest to being recovered, with just over $10,000 of the $13,000 needed already raised or pledged. Half of these funds have been pledged by the local B-36 Peacemaker Museum on a matching funds basis. Once the "Vark" is here, it will still require $5,000 for restoration and display. After the F-111 is recovered, the most likely to be returned is the "Crusader," which only needs an additional $3,500 to make its homecoming possible. The other two will be harder to bring home due to thin financial support.

The Veteran's Memorial Air Park needs help to bring the "Fort Worth Four" aircraft home. Christmas gifts or year end tax deductible donations from veterans, aviation or history enthusiasts and others, will help make these homecomings possible. Interested parties can contact the OBA directly or through the Museum's web site at www.OV-10Bronco.net. The contact person for details on the individual airplanes is Jim Bloomberg, Director of Aircraft Operations, 214-952-8502 or jlbloomberg@aim.com.

The mission of the Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park is three fold:

• Preservation: The Fort Worth Veter an's Memorial Air Park (FTW VMAP) will preserve examples of military aircraft manufactured or based in North Texas, relevant to the role of Forward Air Control or are historically significant. In addition, the history of people who built and served with these aircraft in the defense of our nation will be maintained.
• Inspiration: The FTW VMAP will endeavor to inspire young people to continue their educations using aviation to encourage careers in aviation, technology, engineering, and the military.
• Education: The FTW VMAP will educate the public on the historical role North Texas and its people have played as a world-wide leader in military aviation.

Aircraft already in the collection include: the original factory mockup of the North American OV-10 Bronco; two Vietnam and Cold War veteran Air Force Cessna O-2A Skymasters; two veteran OV-10A Broncos, one Air Force and one Marine Corps; an Air Force/Navy Northrop F-5E Tiger II aggressor flown in the movie "Top Gun"; the last McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II to have flown in the Navy, a QF-4S, known as "Scooby"; and "Christine," the longest serving F-14D Tomcat in US Naval history. The Veteran's Memorial Air Park is open to visitors on weekends at no charge at the Vintage Flying Museum facility at 505 NW 38th Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76106 Note our new address! Visit us Sat./Sun. 8:00am - 6:00pm or other times by appointment at 3300 Ross Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76106; please use this address for all mail: P. O. Box 161966, Fort Worth, TX 76161. You can phone us toll-free at 1-800-575-0535.

Photos available on request.

The Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park (VMAP) and the Forward Air Controller's Museum (FACM) are enterprises of the OV-10 Bronco Association, Inc., a Texas non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the preservation of historic combat aircraft and other aspects of military aviation for the benefit of the local community.

www.FACMuseum.org

The OV-10 Bronco Association announces that it will be doing business and operating under the name Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park. The Air Park will include the aircraft as well as the Forward Air Controllers Museum and the Bronco Ready Room.

There is no structural change to the Bronco Association other than operating the conglomerate of the Air Park, Museum and Bronco Ready Room under the name of the Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park.

The OBA Board will continue to provide direction, guidance and support for the growing organizations.

The operating name change has been discussed electronically by the board over the past several months and was finalized at the November 24, 2007 board meeting in Fort Worth. The board believes that the name change will better reflect what we, as separate organizations, are trying to accomplish in the way of education and outreach, as well as have a better name recognition to the public.

2. OV-10 Bronco Association Board of Directors Announces New Directors:

The Bronco Association Board of Directors announces the election of Admiral Jim Lair, Jim Hodgson and Terry Tabor to the Board. Adm. Lair comes to the board after a 38-year career in the Marine Corps and Navy. After his retirement from the Navy he worked for Lockheed-Martin and the Flight Learning Center at DFW. He is currently the Federal Security Director for the Transportation Security Agency at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Jim Hodgson is a Captain with Continental airlines flying the Boeing 777, he is also an OBA founder and President of the OBA for the past 4 years. Terry Tabor is a retired USAF pilot and American Airlines pilot. He is currently the head of the Forward Air Controllers Museum steering committee and has previously served as OBA Vice President and Treasurer. All three terms will expire in October 2011.

The board would like to thank outgoing Directors Tom "Scooter" Skutca and Darrell "Doc" Lambert for their years of service to the board. Both will continue their support of the OBA and FACM as well as the newly named Fort Worth Veteran's Air Park.

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F-102A Delta Dagger Specifications Data from The Great Book of Fighters, via Wikipedia General characteristics Crew: 1 (TF-102A has 2) Length: 68 ft 4 in (20.83 m) Wingspan: 38 ft 1 in (11.61 m) Height: 21 ft 2 in (6.45 m) Wing area: 695 sq. ft (64.57 sq. m) Airfoil: NACA 0004-65 mod root and tip Empty weight: 19,350 lb (8,777 kg) Loaded weight: 24,500 lb (11,100 kg) Max takeoff weight: 31,500 lb (14,300 kg) Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney J57-P-25 afterburning turbojet Dry thrust: 11,700 lbf (52.0 kN) Thrust with afterburner: 17,200 lbf (76.5 kN) Internal fuel capacity: 1,085 US gal (4,107 l) External fuel capacity: 2 x 215 US gal (815 l) drop tanks Performance Maximum speed: Mach 1.25 (825 mph, 1,304 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m) Range: 1,350 mi (1,170 nm, 2,175 km) Service ceiling: 53,400 ft (16,300 m) Rate of climb: 13,000 ft/min (66 m/s) Wing loading: 35 lb/sq. ft (172 kg/sq. m) Thrust/weight: 0.70 Armament Rockets: 24× 2.75 in (70 mm) unguided rockets in missile bay doors Missiles: 6 x AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles or 3 x AIM-4 Falcon 1 x AIM-26 Falcon with conventional or nuclear warhead Avionics MG-10 fire control system

THE F-102 DELTA DAGGER "DEUCE"

An important message from Bill "Spider" Spidle, OBA Director of Aircraft Operations:

June 15, 2007

Hello everyone,

In March of 1952, the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, aka Convair, announced plans to build the F-102 Delta Dagger. Of the 1,000 scheduled for production, 111 were to be built as two seat TF-102 trainers (which were often known as "Tubs" due to their wide forward fuselage... the airplane was identical to the normal F-102A behind the side-by-side cockpit area). Although the final construction of these aircraft was done in San Diego, California, the cockpit and forward fuselage sections were built in Fort Worth, Texas and shipped to California. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Air Force briefly used the TF-102 as a Fast FAC aircraft, and standard F-102s became commonly used to good effect in the ground-attack role. Ultimately, only 85 of these rare two-seaters was ever built. While the F-102 probably isn't the best-known of the fighters of the period, it played a significant part in the Vietnam conflict and even had some unique uses. The F-102 carried air-to-air Falcon missiles which were combined with the nose-mounted Infrared system for night raids along the Ho Chi Minh trail... with the possibly unprecedented effect of using the air-to-air Falcon as a ground-attack munition. Before it was withdrawn from the war in 1968, fifteen F-102s were lost (only one to air-air combat, a few to AA fire, the rest to operational accidents). The F-102 served until 1976 with Air National Guard units (this is the aircraft that George W. Bush flew) and also served until 1979 with the air forces of Greece and Turkey. Beginning in the early 1970s, some were used as target drones until 1986. The F-102B development incorporated so many changes that it was re-designated as the F-106 Delta Dart. No F-102s are flyable today.

THE MISSION

Recently, the Forward Air Controller's Museum (FACM) and the OV-10 Bronco Association (OBA), learned that a small museum in south Texas was giving up its collection of airplanes. One of those aircraft was a rare TF-102A, number 56-2337. In addition to serving in Greenland and North Carolina, this aircraft spent a significant part of its career here in Texas at Perrin and Ellington Air Force Bases. This airplane is a true Texas native with a connection to Fort Worth. Our mission is to raise the funds needed to acquire, recover, transport and display this Deuce at the Memorial Air Park in North Texas.

TF-102 56-2337 was built in 1958. Although we have not yet completed its full history, this aircraft has a distinguished career the Air Force's 327th & 482nd Fight Squadrons, the 3555th Fighter Wing, 4780th Air Defense Wing and the 147th Fighter Intercept Group at Ellington AFB in Houston with the Texas Air National Guard.

THE GOAL

The Government Services Administration has approved the OBA (a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Museum) and the FAC Museum to accept this aircraft for its Fort Worth Veteran's Memorial Air Park at Meacham Field in Fort Worth, Texas. Acquiring this rare TF-102 for our collection has been a museum goal as this airplane is significant to the aviation history of Fort Worth, Texas. Our goal is to raise $8,000.00 to acquire, transport, and preserve this aircraft properly.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We need sponsors to save this historic airplane from the scrappers. Please help now. Gifts of any size will make a difference, but time is running out for this old veteran of the Cold War. There is an immediate urgency to act now. The GSA has given us a limited timeframe in which to recover and display this airplane or it will be destroyed. If we meet this goal, we will save this piece of Fort Worth and American aviation history for future generations.

We need your help to preserve this great aircraft, and tell the TF-102 story. Some or all of your sponsorship or donations may be tax deductible. You can make your donations by cash, check credit-card or PayPal by sending your contribution to:

(Note our new address!)
OV-10 Bronco Association
P. O. Box 161966
Fort Worth, TX 76161
Phone/Fax: (800) 575-0535

Please pass this message along. We can't do this by ourselves, but together we can SAVE A DEUCE.

Thanks for your support,

Jim Bloomberg
Director of Aircraft Operations
jlbloomberg@aim.com

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