OA-1K Skyraider II: U.S. Air Force’s New Jet for Special Operations
The OA-1K Skyraider II is the U.S. Air Force’s latest light attack and ISR jet purpose-built for special operations missions. This single-engine turboprop aircraft, co-developed by Air Tractor and L3Harris Technologies, is engineered to operate in austere environments and support Special Operations Forces (SOF) with maximum efficiency. Designed for close air support (CAS), armed reconnaissance, counter-insurgency (COIN), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the OA-1K delivers critical capabilities across multiple mission sets.
With its rugged, low-maintenance airframe and advanced sensor suite, the OA-1K Skyraider II offers persistent overwatch and precision strike options in remote or lightly contested areas—where deploying high-end fighter jets may be too costly or impractical.
Origins and Evolution: From Agricultural Aircraft to Combat-Ready Platform
The OA-1K Skyraider II stems from the Air Tractor AT-802, a civilian aircraft well-known for its durability in agricultural and firefighting operations. Leveraging this robust airframe, Air Tractor, in partnership with L3Harris, transformed the platform into the AT-802U Sky Warden, a militarized version equipped with armor, weapon systems, and surveillance technology.
In 2022, this upgraded model was selected by the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) as the winner of the Armed Overwatch program, and was later designated as the OA-1K Skyraider II in 2025. The aircraft entered operational service with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in April 2025.
Mission Roles and Operational Capabilities
The OA-1K’s mission profile includes:
- Close Air Support (CAS)
- Armed Reconnaissance
- Persistent ISR
- Precision Strike
- Convoy Escort
Engineered for deployment from unimproved or remote airstrips, it supports long-endurance missions with minimal logistical support, making it ideal for low-intensity conflicts and SOF operations in remote territories.
Variants of the OA-1K Skyraider Lineage
- AT-802: The original, civilian-configured platform designed for crop dusting and firefighting.
- AT-802U: A light attack variant reinforced with armor and weapon systems, designed for military surveillance and strike missions.
- OA-1K Skyraider II: The final evolution featuring modern avionics, enhanced survivability, and precision weaponry tailored for special operations.
Aircraft Design and Structural Features
The OA-1K Skyraider II’s design philosophy focuses on durability, payload capacity, and flexibility:
- Length: 11.4 meters (37.5 feet)
- Wingspan: 18.06 meters (59.25 feet)
- Height: 4.0 meters (13 feet)
- Wing Area: 37.3 m² (401 ft²)
The aircraft features a tandem two-seat cockpit for the pilot and mission systems operator. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F engine, it drives a five-blade Hartzell propeller, offering Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities ideal for rugged terrain.
Survivability and Protection Systems
To support missions in semi-permissive environments, the OA-1K incorporates:
- Composite ballistic armor on critical areas
- Self-sealing fuel tanks to prevent post-impact fires
- Crashworthy crew seating with airbag systems
- Reinforced landing gear for rough airstrip operations
These features enable the aircraft to operate close to enemy lines with enhanced crew safety and battlefield resilience.
Payload and Fuel Capacity
- Empty Weight: 3,554 kg (7,836 lb)
- Max Gross Weight: 7,257 kg (16,000 lb)
- Internal Fuel Capacity: 2,800 liters (740 U.S. gallons)
- 1,400 L in wing tanks
- 1,400 L in fuselage tanks
This large internal fuel load supports long loiter times, ideal for extended ISR or overwatch missions.
Armament and Weapon Systems
Equipped with 10 external hardpoints—2 on the centerline and 8 under the wings—the OA-1K Skyraider II carries a wide array of precision and conventional munitions, including:
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for precision anti-armor attacks
- GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs
- APKWS 70 mm rockets for low-collateral precision strikes
The weapons system architecture supports rapid loadout changes, allowing it to pivot between roles such as interdiction, strike, CAS, or armed reconnaissance.
Engine and Performance Characteristics
The single-engine PT6A-67F turboprop produces 1,600 horsepower, enabling:
- Max Speed: 394 km/h (245 mph or 213 knots)
- Cruise Speed: 330 km/h (210 mph or 180 knots)
- Stall Speed: 169 km/h (105 mph or 91 knots)
- Operational Range: 2,413 km (1,499 miles or 1,303 nautical miles)
This performance ensures stable loitering, effective strike capability, and high reliability in diverse operational environments.
Advanced Avionics and Sensor Suite
The OA-1K boasts a next-generation avionics suite for advanced mission execution, featuring:
- EO/IR sensors for day/night surveillance and target tracking
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather imaging
- Secure communications with LOS and BLOS datalinks
- Glass cockpit with multifunction displays (MFDs)
- Digital flight control system and mission management tools
These systems provide real-time situational awareness, ensuring seamless coordination with ground teams and command elements.
OA-1K Skyraider II: Specifications Overview
Type: Light Attack / Armed Reconnaissance / ISR Aircraft
Country of Origin: United States
Developer: Air Tractor & L3Harris Technologies
Crew: 2 (Pilot + Mission Systems Operator) – Tandem Configuration
Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F (1,600 hp / 1,200 kW)
Empty Weight: 3,554 kg (7,836 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight: 7,257 kg (16,000 lb)
Max Speed: 394 km/h (245 mph) at 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
Cruise Speed: 330 km/h (210 mph)
Range: 2,413 km (1,499 mi) with full fuel at 2,400 m (8,000 ft)
Dimensions: Length: 11.4 m; Wingspan: 18.06 m; Height: 4.0 m
Avionics: EO/IR, SAR, MFDs, mission management, LOS/BLOS datalinks, secure radios
Armament Options: Hellfire missiles, APKWS rockets, GBU-12 bombs, multiple hardpoint configurations
Conclusion: Tactical Value of the OA-1K Skyraider II
The OA-1K Skyraider II represents a compelling mix of affordability, endurance, and mission flexibility. Designed for special operations in remote environments, it offers capabilities typically reserved for more advanced aircraft—but in a simplified, cost-effective package.
Its selection by SOCOM for the Armed Overwatch program and operational integration by AFSOC mark a significant endorsement of its combat effectiveness, especially in the modern era of distributed warfare and low-intensity conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary mission of the OA-1K Skyraider II?
The OA-1K Skyraider II is designed for light attack, close air support (CAS), armed reconnaissance, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its main role is to support special operations forces in austere and low-intensity conflict zones.
Why was the OA-1K selected for the U.S. Armed Overwatch program?
The OA-1K was chosen by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in 2022 for its affordability, rugged design, STOL capability, and ability to deliver persistent ISR and precision strike in environments where complex jets are unnecessary.
How is the OA-1K Skyraider II different from traditional fighter jets?
Unlike fast jets, the OA-1K is a turboprop aircraft optimized for low-speed loitering, cost-efficiency, and operations from unprepared runways. It is tailored for missions requiring endurance over speed, especially in permissive to semi-permissive environments.
What types of weapons can the OA-1K carry?
The OA-1K can carry a range of precision and conventional munitions, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, and APKWS 70 mm rockets across its 10 external hardpoints.
What protective features does the OA-1K have for crew survivability?
It includes lightweight composite armor around critical areas, self-sealing fuel tanks, crashworthy seats with airbags, and a ruggedized airframe to enhance survivability in combat zones.
How long can the OA-1K remain airborne during a mission?
With a maximum fuel load of 2,800 liters, the OA-1K has an operational range of approximately 2,413 kilometers (1,499 miles), allowing for extended loiter time and long-duration surveillance or support missions.
Who operates the OA-1K Skyraider II?
The OA-1K is operated by the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and is primarily used to support special operations units in field-deployed missions around the globe.
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