The OV-10 Bronco, which first flew July 16, 1965, was a twin-turboprop, short takeoff- and-landing (STOL) aircraft and was the first aircraft produced especially for close support operations during limited warfare. Its mission capabilities included observation, forward air control, helicopter escort, armed reconnaissance, gunfire spotting, utility, and limited ground attack. North American Aviation delivered a total of 157 OV-10As to the U.S. Air Force before production ended in 1969. Removal of the armament sponsons and the back seat with its associated armor enabled a quick and simple conversion to a civil action configuration, which permitted the carrying of 3,200 pounds (1,452 kilograms) of cargo in the aft fuselage. For operation in remote areas, the Bronco had a specially designed rough field landing gear, required no ground equipment for starting, and could be maintained with simple handtools. In the event of an emergency, the Bronco could use high-octane or automotive fuel in place of jet fuel with only a slight degradation of power. It continued to operate for countries other than the United States through 1998.