The Grumman OV-1 Mohawk COIN aircraft of the 1960s and 70s looks set for a revival thanks to two US companies hoping to market modernised versions to the US and world markets.
US company ATK has teamed up with Mohawk Technologies and Broadbay to offer the OV-1D, a significantly enhanced version of the Mohawk. The new aircraft will feature an ATK 30mm chain gun as used by the AH-64 Apache, a glass cockpit with an integrated combat system, and various sensors including an EO/IR turret.
Mohawk Technologies already owns at least six OV-1s and says there are dozens more available, while Broadbay supplies crews for the aircraft. The companies are able to offer the aircraft on a fee-for-service basis or as an outright acquisition.
While the primary pitch for the aircraft is as a live fire training aid for Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, ATK has received a licence from the US State Department to market the aircraft to approved foreign customers.
