[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Tobra

I am right with you on that Joe.

Shame that the people buying the equipment don't listen to the ones using it more. That critter is purpose built to do the job. One big hammer is better than three little ones.

Three little hammers with laser guided rockets, longer on-station time, and higher fleet utilization due to reduced maintenance requirements isn't half bad either. The reality is that a lighter duty aircraft can spend more time in loiter, carry an equally lethal payload that is also more accurate, cost less to purchase, and cost less to operate. You don't need a 30 mm cannon to take out a Toyota pickup, and in a populated urban area you can't use it due to collateral damage. You can, however, use a laser guided rocket.

Originally Posted by 93nav

I think that the T-6 and A-29 would not be selected because there are single engine. The Scorpion, looks good so far, but untested.

Anyone else see where we had a pair of OV-10 Bronco's flying around in Syria recently as a test? I think that they flew quite a few missions. Do I remember correctly that they are going to refurbish/upgrade some more and use them?

There have been multiple proposals to refurbish retired OV-10s. Unfortunately it's just about as expensive just to develop a new airplane. I think there are a few foreign nations still operating them.