The OV-10 was designed as a close air support and anti-guerilla aircraft, and was selected by the Navy to bolster its support of Riverine Forces in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam in 1968. The first prototype YOV-10A flew on July 16, 1965. The first production version flew on August 6, 1967.

OV-10A - the first production version, there were 271 built of which the Navy borrowed 18 from the Marine Corps to expedite the squadron forming process.

The OV-10A has seen service with USAF, USN, USMC, armed forces of Thailand, Germany, Indonesia, Venezuela, South Korea.

Data for OV-10A

• Crew: 2
• Wingspan: 40 Feet (12.2 m)
• Length: 41 Feet 7 Inches (12.7 m)
• Height: 15 Feet 1 Inch (4.6 m)
• Wing area: 27.0 sq. m
• Empty weight: 7190 Pounds (3261 kg)
• Takeoff weight: 4494 kg
• Max. takeoff weight: 14,444 Pounds (6552 kg)
• Engines: 2 Garrett AiResearch T76-G-10/12, 715 hp each
• Max. speed: 244 Knots (452 km/h)(At Sea Level)
• Cruise speed: 312 km/h
• Landing speed: 112 km/h
• Service Ceiling: 28,800 Feet (8,778 m)
• Climb rate: 11.8 m/s
• Takeoff roll: 207 m
• Range with maximum payload: 370 km
• 700 Nautical Miles (1,297 k) With Internal Fuel
• 1200 Nautical Miles (2224 k) With External 150 Gallon Tank
• Fuel: 252 Gallons (954 l) Internal In Five Tanks
• 150-, 230-, Or 300-gallon (568-, 871-, Or 1,135-liter) External Tank
• Payload: 1635 kg of weapons
• Mission Performance: 5.5 Hours Loiter Time With 150 Gallon Tank
• 50 Nautical Miles (93 k) And 2 Hours Loiter With Full Ordnance Load
• Armament: 4x7.62 mm machine guns
• Centerline Station For 20mm Gun Pod Or Stores
• Four Sponson Stations For Rockets, Miniguns, Or Stores
• Two Wing Stations For Rockets Or Missiles
• Cargo Bay: 75 Cubic Feet (2.1 c.m.) With Rear Seat
• 110 Cubic Feet (3.1 c.m) With Rear Seat Removed
• Partial Source: Boeing Web Page