OA-1K Skyraider II Joins US Air Force’s Fleet
The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) officially received its newest aircraft, the OA-1K Skyraider II, which boasts advanced capabilities in close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The aircraft was delivered to AFSOC during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida on April 3.
AFSOC Commander Lt. Gen. Michael Conley described the OA-1K as a “modular solution” for modern threats, adding: “It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response, and modern warfare.”
Named after the A-1 Skyraider, a propeller-driven aircraft used extensively during the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Skyraider II is a modified version of the Air Tractor AT-802.
Developed by Air Tractor and L3Harris, the aircraft is equipped to carry a range of weapons and sensors, and its rugged design allows it to take off and land on short or unimproved runways. The Skyraider II also offers lower operating costs and simplified maintenance.
“The Skyraider II reflects L3Harris’ commitment to delivering cost-effective, adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter,” said Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris. “By leveraging our team’s innovation and expertise, we are providing special operations personnel with a versatile, mission-ready capability that supports operational requirements today and into the future.”
Skyraider II will eventually replace the U-28A Draco, an ISR aircraft currently in use by special operations units at Hurlburt Field and Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Additional aircraft from the 75-unit order will be delivered to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma “in the coming months,” according to AFSOC. The base serves as the location for the OA-1K’s Formal Training Unit.
