The Philippine air force has begun an engine upgrade for part of its Rockwell OV-10 Bronco fleet and is considering a more comprehensive service life-extension programme.
Industry sources say Boeing, which acquired Rockwell, is offering the air force a package of structural enhancements and new avionics that would be installed by local maintenance company Asian Aerospace.
The two companies are trying to convince the air force to initially upgrade three or four aircraft, with possible financial support from the US government, and eventually the entire fleet of 14 aircraft. Boeing earlier led similar upgrade programmes for OV-10 operators in South America and the US Department of State.
The air force in May outfitted two of 14 OV-10s with new propellers and overhauled engines provided by Arizona-based Marsh Aviation. The service says it has contracted Marsh to help upgrade another six OV-10s with the engine and propeller installations done in-country by air force mechanics.
Industry sources say the Philippine’s ageing OV-10 fleet will also require new avionics, upgraded wiring and airframe enhancements if the aircraft are to continue performing their light attack role. The OV-10s, which are approaching 15,000h in service, are the only attack aircraft remaining in the air force’s active inventory and are playing a critical role in the fight against insurgent groups. They also are aiding the Philippines in its US-supported fight against piracy and terrorism by operating maritime patrols.
Asian Aerospace, which is now refurbishing Lockheed Martin C-130s and Fokker F27s for the air force, has set aside one of its four hangars at Clark air base outside Manila for potential OV-10 upgrades. But the air force says an avionics/structural upgrade programme has not been officially launched.
Meanwhile, the refurbishment and reactivation of the first of four of the air force’s C-130Bs has again been delayed because additional structural work is required. Asian Aerospace, which initially planned to complete its first C-130 overhaul last year for $1.5 million, now plans to deliver the aircraft in October.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
