The OA-1K Skyraider II is a light attack and special operations aircraft developed for the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) by Air Tractor and L3Harris. The aircraft serves  SOCOM’s “Armed Overwatch” program aimed to procure fixed-wing aircraft for close air support, precision strike, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The Skyraider II’s design emphasizes ruggedness and versatility, while providing a low-cost, low-maintenance, and austere airstrip capable platform for conventional and asymmetric conflicts. [source]

In 2022, SOCOM announced its plan to purchase 62 of these aircraft by 2029. [source]

Images Sourced From: Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli

1 History 

The Skyraider II was born out of the need to replace older ISR models such as the U-28A Draco. As part of the Armed Overwatch program, SOCOM saw a need for aircraft that can provide small special operations teams with ISR and communication support. [source]

The aircraft is based on the Air Tractor AT-802, an agricultural and firefighting aircraft adapted for military use. The OA-1K Skyraider II officially took its name in 2025, symbolically linking it to the original A-1 Skyraider, a renowned carrier-based attack aircraft used extensively during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The new version retains the tailwheel configuration, a rarity in modern US military aviation, to enable short takeoffs and landings on austere  airfields. [source, source]

2 Technical Data and Features

The aircraft features a modular yet cost-effective design. Sensors, weapons, and communications equipment can be swapped out quickly to adjust for different mission needs. Its relative ease of maintenance and low cost and high mobility (it can be disassembled and reassembled within hours) further add to its appeal for special operations use. Skyraider II’s conventional landing gear and rugged airframe enable operations from austere runways, making it fit for operations in remote areas. [source, source, source]

Other characteristics include: [source]

General characteristics

• Length: 37.5 ft (11.4 m)
• Wingspan: 59.25 ft (18.06 m)
• Height: 13 ft (4.0 m)
• Wing area: 401 sq ft (37.3 m²)
• Empty weight: 7,836 lb (3,554 kg) no armor or weapons
• Gross weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
• Fuel capacity: wing tanks: 380 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 320 imp gal) and fuselage tanks: 360 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 300 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop, 1,600 hp (1,200 kW)
• Propellers: 5-bladed Hartzell Propeller Titanium Dome

Performance

• Maximum speed: 213 kn (245 mph, 394 km/h) at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) with no weapons
• Cruise speed: 180 kn (210 mph, 330 km/h) patrolling speed at 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
• Stall speed: 91 kn (105 mph, 169 km/h) at max gross weight
• Range: 1,303 nmi (1,499 mi, 2,413 km) full fuel at 8,000 feet (2,400 m)

Armament

• Hardpoints: 10 (2 centerline and 8 wing), allowing for 500-1000 lb class weapons.

3 Mission Set

The Skyraider II mainly provides special operations forces with operation support through:

• Close air support
• Precision strikes against ground targets
• (Armed) ISR missions
• Border security operations, for example at the US-Mexico border. 

The low logistical requirements and high versatility make the Skyraider II particularly attractive for SOCOM. However, the aircraft is not meant for air-to-air combat. Rather, it adds to asymmetric warfare in relatively uncontested airspace. [source, source]

3.1 Criticism

In December 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) urged the Department of Defense (DOD) to reconsider the need for 75 of these aircrafts, citing lack of force structure analysis for the justification for the required amount. GAO suggested SOCOM should order a smaller batch until such an analysis is conducted. The GAO pointed out that, with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, operational requirements have likely changed. In September 2024, SOCOM reduced the order from 75 to 62 aircraft due to budget considerations. [source, source]

It remains unclear how and if the Skyraider II is suited for potential SOCOM operations against strategic adversaries, assuming a highly contested airspace and sophisticated air defence. 

4 Conclusion

The Skyraider II is SOCOM’s effort to field a rugged, adaptable, and cost-effective light attack and ISR platform. By enhancing proven designs with sophisticated new technology, the OA-1K addresses current and emerging operational demands in irregular warfare and special operations. Its modularity, endurance, and ability to operate from austere airstrips make it a valuable asset for a broad spectrum of missions. However, whether its role will go beyond counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations will depend on how it integrates into the broader US military strategy and planning as the focus shifts toward potential conflict against peer-adversaries, such as China. That said, the US military has missions worldwide and the Skyraider II is likely to be one element of its expansive toolbox to accomplish its missions.