In July 2000, Marsh Aviation was selected by the Colombian Air Force to upgrade and modify their OV-10 Bronco aircraft. The Program is a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program managed by the US Air Force. This program includes the following upgrades:
- Upgrade the Bronco's T-76 Engines
- Install new Hartzell 4-Blade propellers and associated power management system.
- Inspect and repair airframe for service life extension of 15,000 hours.
- Replace wiring and change rotative inverters to static inverters.
- Change hydraulic pump and overhaul the landing gear.
- Modify the fuel system.
- Install selected new avionincs.
The program includes the following options:
- Install GAU-19/A .50 Caliber machine guns on right outboard weapons station.
- Install FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE FLIR (thermal imaging) system.
The total budgetary estimate is $15.0 million and is supported by funding from the US Anti-Drug Foreign Aid package recently provided to Colombia. As of early May 2001, Marsh Aviation was expected to have a signed contract by May 1, 2001 with the first aircraft possibly arriving in May 2001. Marsh and the USAF are currently in process of developing the contract, which is currently projected to cover ten aircraft at a cost of $1,435,800 per aircraft (without options.)
