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Philippine Air Force retires OV-10 aircraft and AH-1S helicopters
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently retired its Bell AH-1S “Cobra” attack helicopters and North American Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” multi-role aircraft.
The decommissioning ceremony of the remaining units of the Cobras and Broncos was led by PAF’s 15th Strike Wing at the Four-Bay Hangar in Major Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
As reported by Manila Bulletin, the ceremony marked the end of an era for the venerable aircraft which according to the PAF “have served in the military with distinction.” Maj. Gen Araus Robert Musico, commander of the Air Combat Command; Maj. Gen. Dennis Estrella, commander of the Air Logistics Command, and active and retired pilots and crew of both aircraft attended the ceremony.
The Bell AH-1
The Bell AH-1 Cobra (company designation: Model 209) is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the Huey Cobra or Snake.
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-place, single-engine attack helicopter capable of land or sea-based operations during day, night or adverse weather conditions. The rear-seat pilot was primarily responsible for maneuvering the aircraft. The front pilot controlled the aircraft’s weapons systems but also had a full set of aircraft controls. The primary missions of the Cobra are Close Air Support (CAS), escort of transport helicopters and ground convoys, armed reconnaissance, helicopter air-to-air attack, anti-shipping operations, and coordination and terminal control of fixed wing CAS, artillery, mortars and naval gunfire.
The AH-1 was the backbone of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) replaced the two-bladed AH-1W Super Cobra with the AH-1Z Viper, which features a new, four-bladed composite rotor system, performance-matched transmission, four-bladed tail rotor, upgraded landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit.
PAF Cobra attack helicopters
Donated by King Abdullah II of Jordan to support Manila’s internal security and counter-terrorism efforts, the Cobras were the first dedicated attack helicopter of the PAF and were delivered on Nov. 26, 2019.
PAF pilots and maintenance crew were trained locally and abroad prior to the arrival of the aircraft to prepare them for its usage.
“The Cobra played a vital role in various combat missions, providing Close Air Support (CAS) during the ‘Oplan Polaris II’ operation in Baggao, Cagayan, and participating in Battlefield Air Interdictions during the ‘Oppord Kilo Uno’ operation in Pantabangan, Nueva Vizcaya,” the Air Force said.
“The Cobra also carried out additional CAS missions in the regions of Abra and Cagayan, aiding ground troops in counter-insurgency operations. From its first mission to its final flight, the Cobra symbolized strength and resilience, playing a crucial part in defending peace and security in the Philippines,” it noted.
Multimission aircraft
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, a rugged, maneuverable, twin-turboprop, multimission aircraft, served with the US Air Force and Marine Corps (OV-10A). The US Navy also used the OV-10.
The Bronco was faster and more tactically versatile than helicopters, yet slower and more maneuverable than jets, and could use tactics not possible with either.
In military operations, the Bronco’s ability to find and hit battlefield targets close to friendly troops made it effective against conventional and guerrilla forces.
Military applications for which the Bronco was particularly suited include anti-guerrilla operations, helicopter escort, close air support, armed reconnaissance and forward air control.
The Bronco’s fuselage was mounted under the wing and provided tandem seating for pilot and observer. Its canopy design afforded better visibility than that of most helicopters. According to Boeing, each crewman was equipped with an LW-3B ejection-seat system which was capable of zero-speed, zero-altitude ejections.
Armor protection, a bullet-resistant windshield and self-sealing fuel cells were provided for operations in a hostile environment. Twin engines, dual manual flight controls, and rugged and simple construction also contributed to survivability and safety.
The OV-10 was equipped with seven external store stations and four 7.62 mm guns installed in the sponsons. A variety of conventional ordnance could be delivered in addition to 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
Philippine Air Force OV-10 Bronco
The Broncos served the PAF for 33 years having been introduced on Nov. 12, 1991.
According to the PAF the aircraft played a key role in CAS, counterinsurgency operations, and campaigns against insurgent groups like the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
“The OV-10 was instrumental in pursuing the objective of Operation Thunder Bolt in 2000, helping dismantle the MILF’s stronghold, and in subsequent campaigns, including the 2001 Basilan mission and the 2006 Sulu Archipelago offensive,” the PAF said.
The Broncos were also instrumental during the 2017 Battle of Marawi where it carried out 88 surface strikes, providing vital close air support to ground troops.
A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft
According to Inquirer.net, the PAF will purchase six brand new A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to boost the military’s surveillance and counterinsurgency missions following the retirement of the last two remaining OV-10 light attack aircraft and two Cobra attack helicopters.
Moreover, Late last year, President Marcos Jr. approved a P2-trillion wish list for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s “Re-horizon 3” program, which includes the procurement of “sophisticated assets” such as fighter jets.
Photo credit: PAF/ 15th Strike Wing
