The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has officially accepted the OA-1K Skyraider II to its fleet.
The Air Force said Friday the AFSOC received the first missionized Skyraider II during a ceremony held at the Hurlburt Field in Florida on April 3. Guests at the event included AFSOC representatives, local community leaders, retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice and Phillip Edward Jennings. The 98-year-old Buice was an A-1 Skyraider pilot while Jennings is the one who rescued him after he was shot down in Vietnam. The new Skyraider II is named after the A-1 Skyraider.
What Is the Skyraider II?
The OA-1K Skyraider II is a new crewed aircraft designed for various applications or missions. Its adaptability reportedly allows it to perform close air support, precision attacks and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, operations.
The AFSOC’s newest airframe is based on the Air Tractor AT-802. The highly adaptable Skyraider II not only enables operators to accomplish various missions, but also creates complex challenges for opposing forces. It is also more cost-effective than other special operations aircraft as it requires less maintenance and operational expenses.
“Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander. “It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare,” he added.
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