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The question was why there is information showing a different MGW for the O-2A than for the civilian C-337B. I am not advocating flying it beyond the FAA type certificate.
Yes, most of the O-2As have had a hard life. Although the Air Force Flight Manual says no aerobatic maneuvers, there is plenty of evidence that O-2A pilots performed such manuevers and the O-2A weapons delivery manual shows tables for rocket launches at 70 degrees dive! Then there is the issue of avoiding and being hit by enemy fire. It is worth getting to know as much of the history of your plane as you can. Mine, for example (aside from the 14 bullet-hole patches) had extensive work done to the spars and attach points when it came back from SEA -- in fact the whole right wing was replaced. It's post Davis-Monthan life, however, has been more sedate than yours.
All that said, I am very careful with W&B and I do not fly it over the 4300 pound type certificate MGW.
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