Air Force Special Operations Command Leader Envisions Expanded Roles for Light Combat Aircraft in Support Missions
Greg Hadley The Air Force Special Operations Command aims to get the most out of the OA-1K Armed Overwatch plane, according to Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, ignoring questions about the fleet's size and usefulness in a rapidly evolving strategic landscape.
Soon, the first operational aircraft will make its way to AFSOC. But the world that awaits it is very different from what was envisioned a few years ago when the Air Force and US Special Operations Command sought a lightweight, low-cost combat aircraft for missions like light attack, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, replacing the U-28 Draco and MC-12W Liberty.
In August 2022, SOCOM selected Sky Warden, an Air Tractor AT-802U cropduster modified for military purposes by L3Harris. The plan was to acquire 75 aircraft, but this number was later reduced to 62 earlier this year.
Delayed delivery is expected. The first production aircraft was scheduled for delivery in October 2023, but Conley now expects it in the first quarter of 2025. He explained that there's always a learning curve with new technology and airframes. Despite some delays and the lack of operational aircraft, he sees no cause for concern with cost or time frames.
Pilots are currently getting acquainted with a couple of standard issue Air Tractor 802Us at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Okla. These aircraft do not have the modifications L3Harris is installing on the Air Force planes.
As the Air Force prepares for competition in the Pacific, some have questioned the need for Armed Overwatch in that region. However, Conley suggests that AFSOC will find creative ways to apply the asset to various situations. "Once we get the aircraft and start flying it, our crew members and maintainers will undoubtedly find novel uses for it in both the current and future fights," he said.
Conley emphasized the importance of the Pacific, acknowledging the need to deal with China, but also reminding that he's responsible for the rest-of-the-world mission as well. He sees the Air Tractors as a versatile asset, with potential uses beyond its intended missions. "There's potential for signal and electronic intelligence and crisis response, provided we can find a way to easily dismantle, transport, and reassemble the aircraft," he suggested.
The program has come under renewed scrutiny following the General Accountability Office's September 5 report, which reiterated concerns first expressed in December 2023 about SOCOM's justification for the 75-plane purchase and urged the Pentagon to slow down approvals until a comprehensive analysis was completed.
Despite the report, Conley remains committed to a fleet of 75 OA-1K aircraft. He acknowledged that the acquisition might not happen as quickly as they initially planned, but he maintains that the need for 75 aircraft is still valid. "It's possible that we won't buy the 75 planes in the same time frame as we intended, but that's still our requirement," he concluded.
AFA National
Enrichment Data:
The Maturing Role of MC-12W and Its Replacement
Project Liberty, a program aimed at providing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, saw the first MC-12W Liberty arrival at Beale Air Force Base on June 10, 2011, primarily for mission qualification training[1].
The OA-1K Armed Overwatch is expected to take over these roles, bringing armed overwatch capabilities to the table. Given their ISTAR roles, these aircraft will be essential in monitoring maritime and land activities, thereby playing a significant role in supporting regional security and coalition operations.
Flexible and Adaptable Future
As technology advances, future aircraft will incorporate improvements like enhanced sensors and communication systems, ensuring their effectiveness in evolving security landscapes. Operational flexibility will be crucial, allowing these aircraft to adapt to changing operational needs and remain relevant in the long run.
