OV-1B Mohawk

The Grumman OV‑1 Mohawk is a twin‑engine, turboprop observation aircraft developed for the United States Army in the mid‑1950s. Originating from a 1954 requirement for a fast, low‑altitude reconnaissance platform, the first prototype flew on 13 June 1955 and entered service in 1959 as the OV‑1B, the most produced variant with 285 airframes built. Powered by two Allison T38‑A‑16 turboprops, the Mohawk could reach 350 km/h and operate at altitudes up to 8,000 feet, giving it excellent loiter capability over battlefield terrain. Its distinctive feature was the side‑by‑side cockpit equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, including a forward‑looking infrared camera, side‑looking airborne radar (SLAR), and a magnetic anomaly detector, enabling day‑and‑night, all‑weather intelligence gathering. The aircraft’s rugged airframe and short‑takeoff/landing performance allowed operation from forward airfields and unimproved runways. Throughout the Vietnam War, the OV‑1B proved vital for artillery spotting, convoy escort, and terrain mapping, influencing modern tactical ISR concepts. Although retired from U.S. service in 1996, the Mohawk’s integration of multiple surveillance systems in a single platform set a precedent for later unmanned and manned reconnaissance aircraft worldwide globally.

Grumman

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