A pair of North American Rockwell OV-10G+ Broncos have been obtained by firefighting company Cal-Fire from former operator NASA

The aircraft which have not been used since September 2013, took part in the experimental Combat Dragon II programme – focused on counterinsurgency and irregular warfare missions working in conjunction with ground forces. Both Broncos – 155481 (N581NA) and 155492 (N592NA) – had previously served with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, undertaking anti-drug trafficking flights in Columbia prior to being transferred to NASA.

The distinctive twin-boomed machines were originally built as OV-10Ds before being converted to advanced OV-10G+ configuration. Cal-Fire intends to return the aircraft to their original appearance for operations in its firefighting fleet.