OV-10 Update: CTEC

Jim Morrison of CTEC in Scottsdale, AZ writes to OV10 Squadron:

The OV-10’s TPE331 Turboprop Engine

Given the fact that Copperstate Turbine Engine Company (CTEC) is populated with many ex-Garrett-AiResearch/ AlliedSignal/Honeywell employees that were involved with T76 engines “in the day”, we have an un-common high level of affection for the Bronco.

I have enclosed an internal document that paints a generalized current synopsis/status of the OV-10 aircraft.

We look forward to discussing your specific needs and how we might be of assistance in relative to your endeavor. Since CTEC’s
founding in 2002 we have, as an Authorized Honeywell TPE331 Overhaul Center processed over 1,300 TPE331 engines of all varieties
including “original issue” 715 SHP as well as those modified to the 840 SHP configuration (large compressor) and the uprated 1,040 SHP
version for the D model aircraft. In the interim I will forward a copy of our capabilities brochure and also some examples of our TPE331 Turbine Tips and Topics newsletter. Our website is ctec.aero

Thanks for sharing the excitement with us!

A recent announcement indicates that the Philippine Air Force will be replacing it’s OV-10s with six A-29 Embraer Super Tucanos in 2019. The total purchase price is $96M or $16M for each aircraft which includes pilot and maintenance training, and spares. When the first OV-10s were being sold to foreign governments in 1969 the unit price was approximately $480K each. A total of 356 aircraft were produced.

A summary of foreign destinations for the OV-10 aircraft is as follows:

Country              Number of Aircraft           Comments

1. Colombia                    12(new) in 1991      Retired in 2015
2. Germany                     18                            All retired in 1990
3. Indonesia                    12                            Being replaced with Super Tucanos
4. Morocco                      6                              Purchased new in1981. 5 in storage and for sale
5. Philippine Air Force    24(new) in 1991       Being replaced by 69 from US Super Tucanos in 2019
6. Thailand                     32 (new) early 70s   Made donations to Philippine AF in 2004
7. Venezuela                  14 aircraft                 To be replaced by Russian Mi-28 helio
8. Cal Fire                        14 active                 From US Govn’t
9. NASA                              6                           Based at 2 facilities