The United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has decided to name its newest airframe, the OA-1K, after the A-1 Skyraider, which was in use during both the Korean War and Vietnam War. The rugged, versatile Skyraider was in service from 1946 to the early 1980s, offering extra muscle and firepower for Air Commando combat operations.
The OA-1K, now officially known as Skyraider II, is a lean, agile, modular, and hardened aircraft. According to an AFSOC release, one of the most distinguishing features of this aircraft is its tailwheel landing gear design which allows for short takeoffs and landings on unprepared/unimproved or austere airfields.
“I am excited about the Skyraider II, I think we have a capability that’s only ours, and we are going to have the ability to shape that into something that the rest of the nation might not even know they need right now,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations commander, during the recent Special Air Warfare Symposium.
ALSO READ: Indian Army’s Air Defence looking up with smart ammo, lasers, MW weapons
The crewed Skyraider II aircraft, adaptable across the spectrum of conflicts, will have the ability to support special operations forces as well as joint force through close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
While AFSOC does not expect Skyraider II to mix up with fifth and sixth-generation fighters, it will provide value to our supported forces globally, Brig. Gen. Craig Prather, AFSOC’s Director of Strategic Plans, Programmes and Requirements said.
“Providing scalable and precision effects is where the Skyraider II will come in. The Skyraider II could take on missions from the southwest border to Africa and create dilemmas to those we are in competition with,” he said.
The first Skyraider II is expected to arrive at AFSOC headquarters in Hurlburt Field in Florida later this year.