This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Mar 20, 2025. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
Air Force Special Operations Command plans to field 62 OA-1K Skyraider IIs.
FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida—The U.S. Air Force and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) have named the OA-1K light attack aircraft the Skyraider II, a continuation of the service’s tail dragging heritage.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) made the announcement Feb. 27 at the Special Air Warfare Symposium here as it prepares to receive the first aircraft from L3Harris and Air Tractor. The Skyraider II, the product of SOCOM's Armed Overwatch program, will be tasked with protecting special operations forces in austere locations.
AFSOC will field 62 of the aircraft, less than the expected fleet of 75—as some, such as the Government Accountability Office, have questioned the justification for the fleet. SOCOM has tasked think tank Rand Corp. to study the use for the fleet, with a report expected soon. The organization last month said that once fielded, the aircraft would save the Pentagon billions in operating costs compared to other platforms, such as the A-10.
“SOCOM is fielding the OA-1K, which will free up conventional aircraft for other strategic priorities and, with enduring operations continuing in several combatant commands, provide essential air support to special operations forces for billions of dollars less per year than [the Defense Department] would have spent otherwise,” Rand says.
The name is a call back to the Douglas A1-E Skyraider, which within the Air Force was famous for its counterinsurgency role during the Vietnam War. The aircraft were first flown for decades by the U.S. Navy as the AD Skyraider, starting as carrier-based torpedo/dive bombers in 1945. A total of 3,180 of the aircraft were built for the Navy.
The Air Force modified them for two-seat operations, and first deployed them to Vietnam in 1964, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The museum displays arguably the most famous Skyraider, which was flown by Maj. Bernard Fisher in 1966 when he rescued a fellow pilot who was shot down, landing under heavy fire in enemy territory to fly him to safety. It is believed to be the only surviving fixed-wing Medal of Honor aircraft.
Related Content
Comments