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The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is responsible for operating aircraft with specialized roles, primarily focusing on surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Among the aircraft utilized by AFSOC are the U-28 Draco and the forthcoming OA-1K Sky Warden.
The U-28 Draco, built by Pilatus, is a single-engine turbo-prop aircraft designed to operate in challenging environments. "According to AFSOC, the U-28 has proven critical in operations like Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom thanks to its ability to provide near real-time intelligence to ground forces in a range of environments." The Draco's design allows it to take off from unprepared airstrips, making it valuable in remote or hostile areas.
In contrast, the OA-1K Sky Warden, developed by L3Harris under the Armed Overwatch program, combines intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and light attack capabilities. Unlike the unarmed Draco, "the OA-1K would take off armed with offensive munitions to complement its surveillance sensors."
