The Extremely Secret and Stubby Convair Model 48 Charger

The multi-mission General Dynamics Convair Model 48 Charger was a prototype for a light attack and observation aircraft designed and developed for the Vietnam War as one of its first counter-insurgency aircraft.

The project was undertaken under extreme secrecy. In March of 1964, 30 engineers and production workers at the Convair facilities in San Diego, California, started working in a secluded area. That number would eventually increase to 200.

When the top-secret project was finally unveiled, Convair announced it as a Light Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft, or LARA, to be used by the Marines, Army, and Air Force.

Convair had anticipated the needs of the military early on, but competition from the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco became an unrelenting race to the skies.

---

Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.

As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.

All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.

[billwest]

My dad was head of the survey crew for the port and was working inside Lindberg field when the crash occurred. One of the guys on the crew saw the pilot's ejection seat land on one of the hangers which helped first responders find him. I remember seeing the charger flying around Point Loma and San Diego.

[garnix]

I must admit: It looks like a great and fun plane to fly - just like the Bronco is.

[tylervaughn]

God I wish Convair was still around! They had balls and built some of the most interesting aircraft ever.

[Jacmac]

My grandfather was an engineer at Convair (Consolidated earlier), he worked on modifications for B-24s and PBYs until the war was over. It is cool to see Bankers Hill and the skyline in the background of the footage. At 5:57 The El Cortez Hotel can be seen in the background, for many years the highest building in San Diego (now lost in a sea of skyscrapers).

[miketeeveedub]

"The decision was made over political reasons..." - what a surprise! 🙄 The hallmark of failed military projects.

[Krty]

The OV-10 was also originally designed with extremely short wings. The idea was to be able to take off from a 2 lane highway.

[PflugervillainJerry]

I find it very impressive that you are able to obtain all of this excellent footage and info and present it in a very engaging and informative way! Thanks for all you do to preserve aviation history.

[janxspirit]

Fascinating, never seen footage of the Charger in flight before, ty!

[toddcarpenter]

I worked on the OV-10 at MCAS New River, and MCAS Futenma, in the 80s. I loved the Broncos!

[Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

I am less than gobsmacked to learn that it needed more wingspan.

[cjford]

Convair for the win! Grandpa worked there for 35 years. (through several name changes)
Thanks for another great video from a B36, B58, F111, F16, and now Charger fan.

[SPak-rtgb]

Made a comment about this plane on your OV-10 Bronco video. This plane looks like an Reno air racer.

[SATisfaction]

It's nice to be reminded how central Convair was to US civilian and military aviation back in their heyday. The F-102 arrived *just* prior to aeronautical engineers benefitting from the Area Rule, so was appropriately replaced by the Convair F-106 Delta Dart.. and certainly the Convair B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber deserves to be highlighted among the "notorious". Cheers!

[SpicySteve-tzso]

The OV-10 was still in use in 1992. I worked for a small manufacturing company and personally built replacement pilot cockpit windows for this aircraft, as well as windows for the UH-60, and the UH1 Huey.

[dirus]

This is pretty darn cool.
I hope the subs keep coming in. This channel gives a good starting point to learn more about aviation, engineering, and military history. Those little rabbit holes you can find beyond the classroom. Also, I hope it gives people ideas for other creative works, like writing fiction, games, and personal RPGs sessions with their friends.

[scottw]

I can't say that I know the Bronco that well, but the Charger is damn impressive. Good one Dark Skies.

[surfbyrd]

My Dad moved here from Santa Monica, CA in 1958 and worked at Convair. My Brother worked at Convair in the 1970's, and I worked there in the 1980's.

[guyh.]

I always liked the OV-10 Bronco. This Charger looks like a "stumpy" version of it. The Army & Marines could still use a bird like it. To hell with the Air Farce

[SuperTrb]

The Charger looks interesting but I think the military made a solid choice with the OV-10. Not too long ago they pressed a few of them back into service as a COIN asset for SF units. IMO that speaks volumes about how good the OV-10 really was.

[rnreajr]

Good video! I had never heard of the Charger until now. At first I thought that you mixed this up with the Bronco. Shows you what I know...