Tally-Ho on the FAC

USAF OV-10A Broncos in the Vietnam War

AOA Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by David Couche

AOA Decals gives us a comprehensive 1/48 decal set, which includes 19 marking options for OV-10A Broncos used by the USAF in the crucial Forward Air Controller (FAC) role during the Vietnam War.  Unfortunately, however, due to their generally nondescript markings, not all the schemes included are specifically identified to their applicable assigned Tactical Air Support Squadrons (TASS). Options in this set cover a range of aircraft from the 19th -23rd TASS Squadrons. One option included is a PAVE NAIL modified Bronco (with specific nose art); however, at this time, no PAVE NAIL kit or airframe conversion is known to be available.

These Squadrons and aircraft moved from base to base when required and as such had no permanent home base so in the details below, no AFBs are mentioned.

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Thumbnail panels:

The set comes in a thick zip locked bag, which protects the decals from damage. Full airframe data for one aircraft, including complete panel numbers/labels, as well as national insignia are also included with this release. These AOA Decals, Set:48021, are supplied as a bonus with this set  .

Both decal sheets are printed by industry leader, Cartograf of Italy, which ensures top printing quality and ease of application. The instructions on 6, double sided glossy heavy paper sheets are printed in colour with helpful annotated notes where needed. Of those 11 pages, 2 are dedicated to the application of data stencils and a page of in-depth load outs and other notes on the aircraft. All aircraft in this set are all-over Gull Grey with a white upper wing.

The main sheet covers the unit’s marking decals and the smaller sheet has the data stencils in a variety of colours, as well as the national insignia, wing walks and weapons markings.

These are printed in perfect register with great definition and strong colour by Cartograf. We know they will go on perfectly and settle down exquisitely.

The aircraft in this set are:

23rd TASS

• OV-10A, 67-14623, 23rd TASS, 1970/71
• OV-10A, 68-3810, 23rd TASS, 1971/72 – PAVE NAIL- Lost Sept 1972

21st TASS

•  OV-10A, 67-14629, 21st TASS, 1971/72
•  OV-10A, 67-14650, 21st or 20th TASS, 1970

20th TASS

• OV-10A, 67-14674, 20th TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 67-14640, 20th (?) TASS, 19?? – Lost Sept 1972
• OV-10A, 67-14655, 20th TASS, 1970/71
• OV-10A, 68-3819, 20th TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 67-14649, 20th TASS, 1972 – Nose art

19th TASS

• OV-10A, 68-3811, 19th TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 67-14657, 19th TASS, 1969 – lost Dec 1969
• OV-10A, 67-14643, 19th TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 68-3822, 19th TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 68-3825, 19th TASS, 1973

(?) TASS

• OV-10A, 68-3817, ? TASS, 1970
• OV-10A, 67-14684, ? TASS, 1969/70
• OV-10A, 68-3818, ? TASS, 1971
• OV-10A, 68-3822, ? TASS, 1973
• OV-10A, 68-3826, ? TASS, 19??

This is a very nice large set of decals from AOA Decals covering 19 different airframes and times in the Vietnam War.

If you can’t find an OV-10A scheme from this huge offering or the AOA 48019 Black Ponies set I reviewed a few weeks ago, I’m not sure as to what you’re looking for.  

With only one ICM Bronco OV-10A in the stash, I may need another….or more to make good use of this and the other set.

These AOA decals are highly recommended.

Thanks to AOA Decals for the review sample

AOA Decals are available online via their website

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2025 by David Couche
Page Created 19 March, 2025
Last Updated 19 March, 2025

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