Battlefield Surveillance
OV-1D Mohawk
Owned and Operated by Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission
This aircraft was the last OV-1 to receive battle damage (Honduras).
This is one of only two OV-1s with a mounted SLAR on the air show circuit.
This aircraft received the "Most Authentic Warbird" award in 1999 at Sun & Fun.
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 1996.
Experience the Flight of a Lifetime in a Grumman Mohawk!
Flight experiences in a Grumman Mohawk are now extremely rare. However, donations of a $1,000 or more will receive a complementary one year Museum membership and flight experience in one of our historic Grumman OV-1D Mohawks. For more information please email either Brad Gibbs (Mohawk Chief Pilot) or Shawn Dorsch (Fund Raising Chairman), or call the Museum at 704-359-8442.
Note: The Mohawk is a 2-seat highly-maneuverable low-level military spy-plane with ejection seats. The cockpit is very roomy with a large bubble canopy. The ride is highly exhilarating. Those riding in the aircraft will wear a military flight suit and fighter-pilot's helmet and ejection-seat harness. You will not be disappointed.
History of the Museum's Mohawk
| 1962 | Manufactured by Grumman Aircraft Corporation |
| 9/27/1996 | Demilitarized by Alpha Company, 224th Military Intelligence Battalion, Hunter Army Air Field / Total Time: 4640.3 Hrs |
| 12/18/1996 | Transferred to the Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission |
| 1999 | "Most Authentic Warbird" award in 1999 at Sun & Fun |
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).
Click here to buy a t-shirt for $20.00 from our Gift Shop
