CAL FIRE’s current aviation fleet includes Grumman S-2T Airtankers, Bell UH-1H Super Huey Helicopters, Sikorsky S-70i Helicopters, North American OV-10A (& 1 D Model) Bronco Air Tactical Aircraft and C-130 Hercules Airtankers.

The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is an American twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft.

May 11, 2021 · Over the last two years as time permitted and extra funding and parts were available, a new OV-10 was constructed in partnership with CAL FIRE, by Amentum teammates. The OV-10A Bronco is a former military reconnaissance aircraft used by CAL FIRE to coordinate aerial assets with ground-based firefighters.

Mar 25, 2021 · The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is nearing completion on the conversion of another OV-10 Bronco. This will bring their OV-10 fleet up to 16; they are all OV-10A’s except for one OV-10D.

Jan 11, 2025 · In 1993, CAL FIRE acquired 15 OV-10As from the Federal Excess Personal Property program. These Broncos were converted to air attack platforms and replaced the department’s Cessna O-2As. In 2009, CAL FIRE also acquired three OV-10Ds, one of which was converted and is in use.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF or CALFIRE) acquired many OV-10As, including the six surviving aircraft from the BLM and 13 from the U.S. Navy in 1993, to replace their aging Cessna O-2 Skymasters as air attack aircraft.

Aug 19, 2019 · To celebrate we want to show you a little bit more about the aircraft CAL FIRE uses to help us continue our mission of protecting the people and property of California. Watch the video to learn more about the OV-10 Bronco!

May 14, 2018 · The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) acquired 15 OV-10As from the Department of Defense in 1993. These OV-10As have been converted and are in use as specialized air attack planes.

FLYING, FIREFIGHTERS-ON-THE-FLIGHTLINE FRIDAY ️: The CAL FIRE OV-10 Bronco is a Vietnam War Era, turbo-prop-powered, light-attack, observation aircraft that ...

Feb 24, 2015 · The Cal Fire OV-10/As are light by military standards and weigh about 4,000 pounds less than operational Broncos, so the performance and single- engine performance are pretty stellar. The Bronco is a surprisingly stable airplane (which is nice because Cal Fire Airplanes have no autopilots).