Battlefield Surveillance
OV-1D Mohawk
Owned and Operated by Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission
The Grumman OV-1D Mohawk is a tactical battlefield observation and reconnaissance aircraft. It carries a crew of two: one pilot and one systems operator. The crew is protected in a highly armored cockpit with flak plates on side and bottom and bullet-proof windscreens. The armor was needed due to its slow air speed. The Mohawk’s primary role of reconnaissance was thought to be obsolete, but it served successfully in the Vietnam War. The hard points under the wings carried sensor pods and infrared (IR) cameras of various types. During Vietnam the Army allowed some light ordnance (i.e., target marking rockets and gun pods) on aircraft used as Forward Air Controllers (FAC). The glass panel on the nose is the lens for the high-speed pulse camera or an infrared camera.
Retired in 1996, out of 380 aircraft built, only six are still actively flying in the United States.
The two CHAC Mohawks were originally “B” variants, later remanufactured by Grumman to “D” specifications. The aircraft last served with the Army Aviation unit at Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia. CHAC obtained the aircraft in 1997.
Type: Two-seat, multi-sensor observation aircraft
Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Corporation
Powerplant:
Engine Type : Two Lycoming T53-L-701
1,400hp
Dimensions:
Wing span: 48 feet
Length: 44 feet 11 inches
Height: 12 feet 8 inches
Takeoff wt. empty/max. 11,044 lbs. / 19,188lbs.
Performance:
Maximum speed : 296 mph @ 5,000 feet
Combat range : 1,020 miles / ferry 1,230 miles
Service ceiling : 30,300 feet
Observation Equipment:
Side-looking Airborne Radar (SLAR)
Infrared Systems (IR) and Cameras
Production: 375 total
Crew: 2 (Pilot & Observer)
Commemorative T-shirts
The Museum has produced a special t-shirt to commemorate the recovery and preservation of this historic aircraft. These t-shirts can be purchased from our Museum gift shop either in-person on on-line. (Click on image to see a larger version).
