Overview
- AFSOC reported on Tuesday that it has received 18 OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft and expects a handful more by October as the command moves the type from development into operational use.
- The Skyraider II is a militarized, single-engine turboprop based on the Air Tractor AT-802 designed for armed reconnaissance, close air support and precision strike for special operations teams operating from austere airstrips.
- Officials said the command has demonstrated timed disassembly and reassembly in controlled conditions and will run operational tests later this year to validate moving aircraft inside C-17 and C-5 transport jets in a matter of hours.
- Crews are in formal training at Will Rogers ANG Base but the aircraft is not yet cleared for combat; AFSOC says the Skyraider II could fly its first combat missions in the coming years after testing and exercises.
- The program of record calls for 75 airframes but the President's FY2027 budget funds 53, a cut that follows GAO questions about fleet size and raises trade-offs between low-cost persistent overwatch and preparing for high-end conflict.