Air Force Pilots Begin Training for Air Tractor-Based Light Attack Variant

OA-1K Sky Warden [Courtesy: L3Harris]

Air Force pilots have begun training with two Air Tractor AT-802U turboprop taildraggers in anticipation of first deliveries of OA-1K Sky Warden light attack aircraft later this year.

The OA-1K is based on the AT-802 and is a joint project between Air Tractor and defense contractor L3Harris.

Some observers have questioned the Air Force’s commitment to the Sky Warden program as the military shifts focus away from counter-insurgency operations that match up with the turboprop single’s capabilities. For example, the original plan to buy 75 OA-1Ks has already been scaled back to 62, according to reports.

The OA-1K, as ordered, can carry up to 3 tons of weapons such as precision-guided missiles and bombs. The aircraft can also be equipped with externally mounted sensor pods with electro-optical and infrared video cameras. The airframe can accommodate up to eight underwing pylons.

According to L3Harris, the Sky Warden can fly 200 nm and loiter on-site for as long as six hours with a full combat load.

“The OA-1K is a low-cost, reliable, multirole, small-to-medium-size aircraft system to support geographically isolated special operations personnel," the Air Force said in a statement. “The aircraft will perform close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance in austere and permissive environments.”

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

Mark PhelpsAuthor

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.