The OV-10 Broncos, which were first flown in Vietnam in 1968 against Viet Cong insurgents, have made a return to combat in Iraq and Syria during a military experiment.

The anti-ISIS coalition have now used two of the old US planes, nicknamed the `legends of Vietnam`, in 120 operations against the jihadis.

During these missions it was discovered that the relatively slow aircrafts were in many ways superior to the ultra-fast, sleek aircraft more commonly used F-15 or F-35 jets.

The OV-10s are far more useful at analysing action on the battlefield than faster aircraft and can loiter for hours without running out of fuel.



They have been compared to drones due to their ability to remain in the air for hours at a time, and also have the benefit of needing a crew of just two people to operate.

The battle against ISIS militants (also abbreviated as Daesh, ISIL, IS and Islamic State) continues in the Middle East, as Iraq forces retake control of the city of Ramadi.

The veteran aircrafts are also cheaper to run than other aircraft used in the campaign. A F-35 costs $150m to build and $45,000 per hour to run. The OV-10, however, is ready-built and costs just $5000 per hour.

The planes, which can carry up to three tonnes of ammunition but are used most effectively for observation, may be more widely implemented following the successful trial. Over 350 of the planes have been built, although 81 were lost in the Vietnam War.



The planes are also being considered due to the similarities between Islamic jihadis and the guerrilla fighters of the Vietnam War.

Both groups carry out lightning-fast attacks before disappearing into the wilderness. The slower-moving OV-10 planes have been used to locate these fleeing insurgents and direct other planes to their location.

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