Skyraider II Soars: U.S. Military Tests Turboprop With ‘Unique Capability’ That Could Revolutionize Special Ops Warfare
The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command is ushering in a new era of flexible air power with the OA-1K Skyraider II. Currently in developmental testing at Eglin Air Force Base, the turboprop is designed to do what costly jets can’t: deliver precision strikes, ISR, and close air support from rugged, remote environments.
Built on the tough, proven AT-802 airframe by Air Tractor and L3Harris, the Skyraider II blends simplicity with cutting-edge adaptability. With short takeoff and landing capability, loiter times up to six hours, and modular mission systems, it’s engineered to be the “crew chief’s best friend”—easy to maintain, cost-effective, and ready to pivot from surveillance to strike in a single sortie.
AFSOC leaders are bullish on its role. Lt. Gen. Michael Conley called the aircraft a “unique capability” that ensures special operations forces can “adapt effects for required missions and create dilemmas for our adversaries across the spectrum of armed conflict.”
Set to field 75 aircraft across four bases, the Skyraider II represents more than just a light attack plane—it’s a statement of intent: rugged, versatile, and built to show up where other aircraft can’t.