It’s not every day you see an OV-10 Bronco. And it’s even rarer when you see it at its very first event since being restored. So, if you’re in Wisconsin from July 22-28^th, come out to the Oshkosh Air Show and see “Holy Terror”, the first of seven OV-10s being fully restored as part of the OV-10 Squadron project.

Interested in finding out how you can own a part of this historic restoration project? Each sale will help support the restoration of the entire OV-10 squadron. Email us now for details. 

Owning a new aircraft has never been more accessible. But no matter how many new models come out every year, there will always be demand for historic aircraft of the past. Although many aircraft restorers will tell you it’s a labor of love, there’s also a great business case for owning one. 

Unlike most new aircraft which depreciate immediately after their first flight, restored aircraft often appreciate continually over the years as their rarity and novelty becomes more pronounced. The value of any restored aircraft is typically driven by a combination of condition, rarity (collectability) and its historical significance. The OV-10 Squadron project is particularly unique because it checks all those boxes and then some.

“We’ve commissioned some of the best technicians and artisans in the business for this project. And the OV-10s we’re restoring now are being re-built to last a lifetime,” says Mike Manclark, Flight Leader and founder of the OV-10 Squadron project. “For us, this was about more than just projecting pride of ownership. This was about pride of country. By doing it right, we’re ensuring these aircraft will be around for generations to come, while securing their position as sound investments and showpieces for their future owners. We can’t wait to see them all back in service and delighting spectators across the country.”

Interested in finding out how you can own a part of this historic restoration project? Each sale will help support the restoration of the entire OV-10 squadron. Email us now for details. 

It’s been a heck of a journey, but the first of seven OV-10s that were rescued from an old Texas warehouse less than a year ago is now preparing to take flight after decades collecting dust. Fully restored to meticulous detail from what was once barely more than a frame, this rare and storied piece of American history is now gearing up for a new mission – to delight aircraft aficionados and history buffs at air shows across the country.

Appropriately named “Holy Terror”, Bronco 493 rolled off the assembly line in 1968 and was put into action in January 1969 as part of the VAL-4 Black Ponies. During that time, Holy Terror saw consistent active combat, providing close Air Support for the Navy SEALS. Like many of the Broncos at that time, they were under constant enemy fire. In fact, Holy Terror pilot Howard Hotch Hotchkiss was shot in the leg during one such mission; but managed to bring the Bronco back to base. A feat that ultimately earned him a Purple Heart. 

Fast forward nearly 50 years, and Holy Terror is about to make history once again. This time as a show piece of American History. Beginning this summer, Holy Terror will start making the rounds at some of the country’s top Air Shows, until it finds a new owner. 

So, make sure to check our website often for updates and appearance dates.

Interested in finding out how you can own a part of this historic restoration project? Each sale will help support the restoration of the entire OV-10 squadron. Email us now for details. 

Mike Manclark restoring historical OV-10s to honor the group that killed more enemy & saved more lives with close-air support than all naval squadrons combined

CHINO, CALIFORNIA, USA, April 12, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Chino, CA – Some of the fiercest pilots to come out of the Vietnam War reunited this week in Pensacola, FL to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their formation. And they will soon be celebrating an entirely recommissioned squadron of the aircraft they made famous – The OV-10 Bronco. Backed by their propeller-driven Broncos, the Black Ponies were the go-to fighting force for close combat operations in Vietnam, supporting counter insurgency forces of all stripes, including the Navy SEALs

Known for flying “down and dirty, low and slow,” they killed more of the enemy and saved more allied lives with close-air support than all the other naval squadrons combined during the three years they saw action.

Known as one of the coolest and most intriguing warbirds in history, the OV-10 Bronco was originally introduced in the 1960s for close air support in Vietnam. But because of their versatility, these warbirds went on to tackle just about every mission an airplane could have for the USAF, the Marines, the Navy, SEALS and a number of other foreign countries. In fact, many of the Broncos went on fight in Desert Storm, combat cocaine in South America, and punish ISIS targets in the Middle East before reaching their eventual retirement.

Known as one of the coolest and most intriguing warbirds in history, the OV-10 Bronco was originally introduced in the 1960s for close air support in Vietnam. But because of their versatility, these warbirds went on to tackle just about every mission an airplane could have for the USAF, the Marines, the Navy, SEALS and a number of other foreign countries. In fact, many of the Broncos went on fight in Desert Storm, combat cocaine in South America, and punish ISIS targets in the Middle East before reaching their eventual retirement.

Those aircraft are now in the skilled hands of the restoration team at Chino Airport. Known as some of the best of the best in the warbird business, the Chino team is home to one of the world’s last remaining experts in hand formed aluminum sheet metal, fabricating Plexiglas canopies, and rebuilding engines long out of service.

“We would like nothing better than to see any of those Vietnam vets get in the air again. There is a legion of people out here pulling for them. So we’re thrilled to hear they’ll be reuniting with each other, but also with their old aircraft in the weeks ahead,” says Jim Hodgson, Executive Director of the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.

Harry Gintzer, a former Vietnam vet and OV-10 pilot with the Navy’s famed Black Ponies is just one of many fans of the Bronco return to flight program, and one aircraft in particular – White Lightning. “I actually christened that name while serving in Vietnam,” says Gintzer. “The Broncos were white at that time, and my wife was from South Carolina, a place well known for lightning. So it seemed like the perfect name and it stuck. I put in 162 missions in that aircraft and am thrilled that Mike Manclark and his team will be bringing it back to life.”