In a significant milestone for military aviation, L3Harris and Air Tractor have successfully delivered the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft to the US Air Force Special Operations Command. This advanced aircraft is designed specifically for critical roles such as close air support, precision strikes, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The introduction of the Skyraider II comes as part of a concerted effort to bolster the capabilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in executing a wide range of missions that align with the US National Defense Strategy. With its rugged design, the Skyraider II can operate from remote and often challenging airfields, making it particularly suited for diverse environments and operational scenarios.
Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, stated, “The Skyraider II reflects L3Harris’ commitment to delivering cost-effective, adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter.” This statement underscores the company’s focus on innovation and flexibility in aircraft design to meet the demands of modern military operations.
The delivery of the Skyraider II marks the beginning of a new chapter for SOF personnel, providing them access to a versatile and mission-ready platform that can adapt to various operational needs. L3Harris has plans for additional aircraft deliveries in the upcoming months, with the next shipments heading to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where a dedicated training unit for the Skyraider II is established.
The Skyraider II is built upon the well-regarded Sky Warden platform, showcasing impressive features such as short takeoff and landing capabilities, an open architecture system, and a high payload capacity that allows for diverse mission configurations.
In 2022, the US Special Operations Command granted a substantial contract to L3Harris for the development of the Sky Warden aircraft, tailored for surveillance and strike missions. This program initially began with a $170 million contract, which could potentially escalate to $3 billion. The contract includes the production of 75 Sky Warden aircraft, as well as essential training systems and support equipment.
As military operations continue to evolve, the Skyraider II promises to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of US Special Operations Forces, paving the way for future advancements in military aviation.
