What is the Pave Nail system?
(Updated 04/02/01) In 1970, the USAF contracted with LTV Electrosystems to modify 15 OV-10As to improve the Bronco’s night and poor weather operational ability, as well as enhance precision strike capabilities. A stabilized nighttime periscope sight, LORAN navigation equipment, a combined laser rangefinder and target illuminator, and a Lear Siegler LORAN coordinator was installed. This combination of equipment was designated Pave Spot, and the aircraft was referred to as a Pave Nail aircraft (since the callsign for the 23rd TASS which flew them was Nail.) The equipment was housed in an external pod located underneath the rear crewmember’s position. The aircraft could put a laser beam on a target for guiding laser-guided weapons, or an accompanying aircraft could make an offset attack. The Pave Nails were flown by the 23rd TASS and often flew in pairs, the high aircraft handling incoming attack aircraft and the low one illuminating targets and acting as the battlefield controller. After
