Argentine Navy and Army Images:

[CharlesBronson]

Farewell to the Grumman Mohawk

Final landing of the last operative OV-1D, the Army adquired 24 in 1992-93 from USMC stocks (some were first gulf war veterans), 16 were in flight condition, the remaining for spares. The Mohawk was a well liked plane, performing observation, radaric and Flir recce and border control missions. There were only 2 accidents in 23 years in service. Good bye and well done.

 

[nuuumannn]

Great aeroplane and neat video. AE-021 at the national army museum in Buenos Aires:

 

[CharlesBronson]

Good photo, is a shame the this design of Grumman, the OV-10 Bronco and the IA58 Pucara arent in the production line anymore, there is a large niche for the border control/radar recce/COIN roles/laser spoting, etc, etc, now are mostly fullfilled by single turbooprops like the Super Tucano or AT-802U lacking endurance and weapon carring capàbility.

 

[michaelmaltby]

While, like you, I admire these vintage, airframes .... ... realistically, I think you can't beat the efficiencies of the market which generates commercial platforms with commercial operating costs, such as these

 

[CharlesBronson]

Nice photos but that 2 birds dont fit the role described in my earlier post, they are too big and much more expensive and could not intercept and force down the narco flights crossing the border (they certainly could detect those but need a third plane for the job), you need something like the Mohawk ( a faster one), IA-58C Charlie ( with radar and flir) or the OV-10 NOGS. This last one in particular with more powerful engines and enhanced sensors is probably the best for the job.

 

[nuuumannn]

I've always thought the Pucara was worthy of further modification and I understand that the FAA are examining or implementing engine upgrades for the type. It is an aircraft that could and should have seen greater success outside of Argentina.

 

[CharlesBronson]

I've always thought the Pucara was worthy of further modification and I understand that the FAA are examining or implementing engine upgrades for the type. It is an aircraft that could and should have seen greater success outside of Argentina.

Some Pucaras had received PW PT6 1450 shp engines,



but the avionics is outdated ( night flight characteristicas are very poor) and the "younger" airframe has 30 years old and with signs of fatigue, the production line is closed and the goverment has no plans nor will to re-open that.
They still perform border control, heloicopter escort and drug plane chasing, but they need ground control radar and most of the times the planes incoming argentine territory are small Cessnas wich flew below radar envelope.

 

[nuuumannn]

Always though the Pucara should have had PT-6s. Neat video, although they need to get the mower out at that airfield.

 

[Gnomey]

Good stuff!

 

[vikingBerserker]

I've always liked the Pucaras, great posts!