US Air Force tests OA-1K Skyraider II tailwheel aircraft for special operations

During the acceptance ceremony for the first OA-1K, Lieutenant General Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, stated:

“Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs. It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare. This aircraft embodies the very essence of our command, it’s agile, it’s adaptable and it’s always ready to deliver lethality. AFSOC exists to accomplish the missions others can’t do. The Skyraider II is a testament to that enduring promise.”

The OA-1K Skyraider II follows earlier versions such as the AT-802L Longsword but features an updated set of sensors and weapons systems. Also known as the AT-802U Skywarden by manufacturers Air Tractor and L3Harris, this model required pilots to receive special training in its civilian variant before transitioning to military use.

This marks the first time in over fifty years that USAF pilots are operating a tailwheel-equipped aircraft. Training began in 2024 with two civilian Air Tractor models delivered without military modifications so pilots could adapt ahead of receiving combat-ready versions.

The OA-1K can carry gravity bombs, unguided rockets, guided missiles on under-wing pylons, and targeting pods for designating targets for other platforms like bombers or fighter jets. It also has signal intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) capabilities for ISR missions.

Pilots have conducted joint training missions with US Navy UH-1N Huey helicopters to practice coordination between fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms—an essential skill set for special forces operations that often require low-speed flight at similar altitudes.

AFSOC's inventory does not include jet-powered aircraft; instead, it operates specialized planes such as the MC-130J Hercules gunship AC-130J Ghostrider and C-146A Wolfhound for airlift duties. For ISR roles with fewer weapons than the OA-1K offers, manned U-28 Draco and MC-12 Liberty aircraft are used alongside unmanned MQ-9 Reapers. The CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor provides additional tactical airlift capability.