The OA-1K Skyraider II is a purpose-built, single-engine turboprop light attack and reconnaissance aircraft designed for austere operations in support of special operations forces. Developed by Air Tractor and L3Harris Technologies, it is tailored for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), close air support (CAS), and counter-insurgency (COIN) missions. Combining simplicity, ruggedness, and advanced sensor technology, the Skyraider II offers an effective solution for persistent overwatch and strike missions in environments where more complex platforms are either unnecessary or impractical.
Country users: United States
Technical Data
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Design
The OA-1K Skyraider II’s design emphasizes durability, payload capacity, and operational simplicity tailored for rugged environments. Measuring 11.4 meters (37.5 feet) in length, with a wingspan of 18.06 meters (59.25 feet) and a height of 4.0 meters (13 feet), the aircraft features a large wing area of 37.3 square meters (401 square feet), providing excellent lift and maneuverability. The airframe is based on a robust agricultural platform, modified with a tandem two-seat cockpit that accommodates a pilot and a sensor or weapons systems operator. A five-bladed Hartzell Propeller Titanium Dome propeller, driven by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop engine, powers the aircraft. Its tailwheel landing gear and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability allow it to operate from unprepared or austere airstrips, significantly enhancing deployment flexibility.
To operate effectively in contested or semi-permissive environments, the OA-1K includes a range of protection features. The aircraft is fitted with lightweight composite armor around critical components such as the cockpit and engine, providing protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. Self-sealing fuel tanks reduce the risk of post-impact fires, while crashworthy crew seats equipped with airbag systems enhance survivability during emergency landings or crashes. These features ensure that the aircraft can support special operations missions with increased crew safety and battlefield survivability, without compromising on endurance or payload capability.
With an empty weight of 3,554 kilograms (7,836 pounds) and a maximum gross weight of 7,257 kilograms (16,000 pounds), the OA-1K can carry substantial mission payloads, including fuel, munitions, and advanced sensor packages. The internal fuel capacity is 2,800 liters (740 U.S. gallons), divided between 1,400 liters (380 U.S. gallons) in the wing tanks and another 1,400 liters (360 U.S. gallons) in the fuselage, supporting extended mission durations.
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Armament
The OA-1K Skyraider II is equipped with ten external hardpoints—two on the centerline and eight under the wings—designed to carry a broad selection of guided and unguided weapons. This versatile payload configuration allows it to support a wide variety of combat roles. Compatible munitions include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for anti-armor and precision strike missions, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs for high-accuracy air-to-ground engagements, and APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) laser-guided 70 mm rockets for scalable, low-collateral damage strikes. The aircraft’s weapons system architecture allows for rapid loadout changes, providing flexibility for mission-specific requirements, including interdiction, convoy escort, and close air support.
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Engine
Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop engine generating 1,200 kilowatts (1,600 horsepower), the OA-1K achieves a top speed of 213 knots (245 mph or 394 km/h) at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) without external armament. The cruise speed is 180 knots (210 mph or 330 km/h), suitable for extended patrol and ISR operations. At maximum gross weight, the stall speed is 91 knots (105 mph or 169 km/h), providing stable low-speed handling ideal for loitering over targets or performing close air support. The aircraft has an operational range of 1,303 nautical miles (2,413 kilometers or 1,499 miles) at 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) with full fuel, offering excellent endurance and loiter time in theater.
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Avionics and Onboard Equipment
The OA-1K is equipped with a modern avionics suite optimized for mission execution in intelligence, surveillance, and strike roles. It integrates high-resolution electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for real-time day/night reconnaissance and target tracking. A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system enables all-weather ground imaging and moving target detection. The cockpit features multi-function digital displays and mission management interfaces that provide real-time situational awareness. Communications are supported by secure, multi-band radios and datalinks capable of both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity, ensuring seamless coordination with ground forces and command elements. The aircraft’s simplified digital flight control system ensures high reliability and ease of maintenance in remote operational areas.
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