Survivability Design of Forward Air Control and Light Attack Aircraft 690707
Designing a high degree of survivability in a light combat aircraft presents a challenge to engineers because of the conflicting demands for simplicity, low weight and cost, and maximum protection. The North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco is an example of a current program to provide original design survivability through reduction of the vulnerability of fuel, powerplant, flight control, and crew systems. This reduced vulnerability, combined with the ability to evade enemy ground fire, results in a high probability of survival in battlefield close support operations.