Although the U.S. Air Force no longer flies the OV-10, other countries continue to operate the Bronco. The OV-10A is a twin-turboprop short takeoff and landing aircraft conceived by the Marine Corps and developed under an Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps tri-service program. The first production OV-10A was ordered in 1966 and its initial flight took place in August 1967. The Bronco's mission capabilities include observation, forward air control, helicopter escort, armed reconnaissance, gunfire spotting, utility and limited ground attack; however, the USAF acquired the Bronco primarily as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. Adding to its versatility is a rear fuselage compartment with a capacity of 3,200 pounds of cargo, five combat-equipped troops, or two litter patients and a medical attendant. The first USAF OV-10As destined for combat arrived in Vietnam on July 31, 1968. A total of 157 OV-10As were delivered to the USAF before production ended in April 1969.

Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Aviation Division Pilot Lake Ellis steps into an OV-10 observation plane. The aircraft is one of several cropdusters used by the INL/AD to eradicate narcotics crops. The unit operates from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.