Interesting conversation this is. One of the things folks ought to consider about things of this nature is the broad range of performance capabilities. Didn't mention this earlier, but I saw Jarhead OV-10s with an external fuel tank. Were USAF versions different that Marine versions? Don't have a clue. Given mission objectives it isn't necessary for any aircraft to carry weapons that are irrelevant. Might just be that an extra fuel tank would serve good purposes. Another thing worth consideration is basic performance specs. Case in point: The OV-10, relic that it is, could run circles around the proposed SOCOM bird. Use your Google-Foo to explore that.
And yes, I like the Warthog a LOT... It is the modern age version of the A1E and I know how effective they were by experience. Those artifacts hardly ever missed a target.
Lived on Fort Lewis back in the 80's, Man those Warthogs are amazing talk about maneuverable and powerful. The Skywarden strikes me as pretty easy to take out with a heavy machine gun, plenty slow enough ground fire could be effective. Speed is important. I consider the OV-10 an iconic airplane that performed it's duties very well. The Skywarden is in my opinion the low bid option. That said if it's duties are to provide what an attack helicopter does it's loiter time is a big plus. Might be harder to hit with a rocket propelled grenade.
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