{"product_id":"roden-models-413-1-48-grumman-ov-1d-mohawk-model-aircraft-kit","title":"Roden Models 413 1\/48 Grumman OV-1D Mohawk Model Aircraft Kit","description":"\u003ch1\u003eRoden Models 413 1\/48 Grumman OV-1D Mohawk\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Aircraft Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the mid-1960s the U.S. Army Air Force was equipped with two multi-purpose reconnaissance types, the OV-1B and OV-1C, very similar but differing in their special equipment. In 1967 the U.S. Military command asked the Grumman Corporation for a universal reconnaissance aircraft which could be used for all of their missions (photography, SLAR, IR) at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe new machine, designated OV -1D, was very similar to the OV-1B at first sight. It had external side-looking radar in the pod beneath the fuselage (with a slightly revised outline in comparison with the OV-1B). The rear fuselage equipment bay was enlarged, and a new blister was added underneath for a panoramic camera system. The rear fuselage airspeed brakes, deleted on the OV-1B and OV-1C, had now been reinstated. For additional ventilation of the cockpit the air scoops on the fuselage were enlarged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther changes were connected with the choice of special equipment. The OV-1D had improved avionics, navigation system and radio equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter successful trials the new type was ordered immediately. 37 new planes were ordered from Grumman, and another 108 were converted from OV-1Bs and OV-1Cs. All new OV-1Ds received more powerful Lycoming 1-53-701 engines. The 37 new aircraft were delivered during December 1970, and the 108 others were converted to the new standard by 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst operational experience quickly proved that upgrading had been the correct decision. Conversion from SLAR to IR configuration could be accomplished in less than a hour, and the OV-1D could be ready for a new mission very quickly. Combat experience in the Viet Nam War led to improvement in many defense systems. At the same time a new all-surface reflective grey paint scheme was successfully tested. This new paint reduced visibility and IR reflection. Soon all OV-1Ds received the grey paint scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe first real combat use of the OV-1D, like for the other OV-1 versions, was in Viet Nam. The OV-1D was also delivered to the US Army Group in West Germany during the latter days of the Cold War, and to South Korea, where the USAAF had a very large force stationed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrance and Germany planned to purchase the OV-1D but these plans were later cancelled. The only OV-1Ds to be exported were two OV-1Ds delivered to Israel, where they were used to support the monitoring of the Yom-Kippur War ceasefire, but in 1984 both OV-1Ds were returned to the USA. Argentina also planned to purchase twenty OV-1Ds, but economic crisis in the country forced cancellation of the contract.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe last combat use for the OV-1D was during the Desert Storm operation against Iraq in 1991. As usual, they were used for reconnaissance. The Iraqi AA system had been quickly destroyed and the OV-1D suffered no losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike the OV-1B and OV-1C, the OV-1D was also used in non-military operation. The Custom Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Geological Survey used the type extensively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome OV-1Ds were converted into the RV-1D during the ELINT (electronic intelligence) program. And after the introduction of the GPS system in the mid- 1980s, all OV-1Ds were re-equipped with GPS.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the mid-1990s the Mohawk was declared obsolete and withdrawn from military service. The majority were destroyed, while some were transferred to the Davis Monathan Aircraft cemetery. But some OV-1Ds were lucky and passed into the hands of this machine's many enthusiasts. Now they form 'OV-1 Associations' and every year they give demonstration flights of this unusual looking machine, whose service is still going strong after more than 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roden Models","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53563967865045,"sku":"ROD413","price":42.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0520\/1972\/4454\/files\/roden-models-413-1-48-grumman-ov-1d-mohawk-model-aircraft-kit.jpg?v=1775240544","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterosehobbies.com\/products\/roden-models-413-1-48-grumman-ov-1d-mohawk-model-aircraft-kit","provider":"White Rose Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}