XBradTC

One of the reasons the Marines finally retired the OV-10D in the early 1990s was that it simply wasn't survivable in any but the most benign air defense environments. Even simple MANPADS such as the SA-7 Strella posed a real threat to the Bronco.

But for the last decade and a half have seen US forces fighting over Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Syria in a generally benign air defense environment. And so, the Bronco would have utility and survivability.

Had the US fielded significant numbers of refurbished Broncos (or similar light attack aircraft such as the AT-6C or A-29B Super Tucano), we could have greatly reduced our reliance on far more expensive platforms such as the F-16, F-15E, and the F/A-18 Hornet. Just as important, reducing the use of the legacy fighter fleet in these theaters would extend their service lives, saving considerable hours of use and money now needed to refurbish them.

But here we are a decade and a half later, and what should have been a quick and easy acquisition decision is now simply a missed opportunity.