The development team at AzurPoly has taken to their social channels to announce that the OV-10 Bronco for Microsoft Flight Simulator has recently entered the beta testing phase. Developed by North American Rockwell in the 1960s, the OV-10 is a twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. Nicknamed the Bronco for its ruggedness and versatility, the OV-10 served extensively in the Vietnam War, proving effective in forward air control (FAC), light attack, and counter-insurgency (COIN) missions. The Bronco saw extensive service with the United States Air Force, as well as the air forces of Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Morocco, Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela. The OV-10 continues to be used in various civil and military roles to this day.
While complete details are still coming to light, we know that the MSFS version of the STOL-capable (Short TakeOff and Landing) OV-10 features Garrett-AiResearch T76s (Honeywell TPE331) engines with sounds recorded from the real aircraft. It will also feature animated antennas that react to the relative wind and G forces, a fully animated canopy with vibrations depending on the environment, and custom tire compression animation.
It is worth noting that AzurPoly has stated that the Bronco will comply with Microsoft’s Marketplace policy that does not allow selling aircraft with integrated weapons. However, users who buy the Marketplace version on PC can download a weapons manager from AzurePoly’s website for added weapons capability (similar to the process for their Fouga Magister). Military variants of the OV-10 are equipped with four 7.62 mm (0.300 in) machine guns. Fuselage-mounted sponsons and wing-mounted hardpoints can accommodate loadouts of up to 3600 pounds of mixed ordnance.
In the most recent post, AzurPoly stated “…you will find out soon” concerning the release date.
