Air Force Unveils Skyraider II, a Tribute to a Legendary Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has revealed its newest plane, the OA-1K Skyraider II. It is a tribute to the famous A-1 Skyraider, which was very important in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The plane is made for close air support, armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). It's a new way to help special operations troops in combat situations that change quickly.

"The Skyraider II makes me happy." The head of AFSOC, Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, said, "I think we have a capability that no one else has, and we will be able to shape that into something that the rest of the country might not even know they need right now."

Air Tractor and L3Harris, two defense companies, changed the AT-802U Sky Warden to make the Skyraider II. It is part of the Armed Overwatch program. Its single-engine turboprop design makes it ideal for short takeoffs and landings, which lets it work in harsh conditions. This spring, the first plane should arrive at Hurlburt Field in Florida.

AFSOC says that the Skyraider II's modular design lets special operations forces adapt tasks to the needs of the battlefield. It can do ISR and precise strikes in areas from the border with Mexico to Africa.

The Skyraider II is the latest in a long line of current planes named after famous warplanes. The A-10 Thunderbolt II was based on the P-47 Thunderbolt from WWII, and the F-35 Lightning II was named after the P-38 Lightning.

‍