L3Harris, Air Tractor Deliver First Missionized OA-1K Skyraider II Aircraft

L3Harris and Air Tractor have completed delivery of the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft to the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

The Skyraider II is designed for close air support, precision strikes, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

It will support Special Operations Forces (SOF) in carrying out various missions aligned with the US National Defense Strategy.

The aircraft’s design enables operation from rugged and remote airfields.

Its versatility allows SOF to counter adversaries across various conflict scenarios.

“The Skyraider II reflects L3Harris’ commitment to delivering cost-effective, adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter,” said Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris.

The company is set to deliver additional aircraft in the coming months, with plans to send them to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where the Skyraider II training unit is located.

“By leveraging our team’s innovation and expertise, we are providing special operations personnel with a versatile, mission-ready capability that supports operational requirements today and into the future,” added Rambeau.

Built on Sky Warden Platform

The Skyraider II is based on L3Harris’ OA-1 Sky Warden platform, featuring short takeoff and landing capabilities, an open architecture, and a high payload capacity for versatile mission configurations.

In 2022, the US Special Operations Command awarded a contract to L3Harris to develop the Sky Warden aircraft for surveillance and strike missions.

The program began with an initial $170 million agreement, with the potential to reach up to $3 billion.

It includes the production of 75 Sky Warden aircraft, along with training systems and support equipment.