L3Harris OA-1K Sky Warden

OA-1K Sky Warden
AT-802U prototype at Paris Air Show
Role Light attack/ISR aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Air Tractor / L3Harris
Status In service and production
Primary user United States Air Force
Developed from Air Tractor AT-802

The Air Tractor L3Harris OA-1K Sky Warden (company designation AT-802U) is an American fixed-wing, single-engine light attack/armed reconnaissance aircraft built by Air Tractor and L3Harris for the Armed Overwatch program of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was developed from the Air Tractor AT-802, an American aircraft often used for agriculture.

The AT-802U Sky Warden won the Armed Overwatch trial, and on 1 August 2022, SOCOM announced a US$3 billion contract to purchase 75 aircraft by 2029.[1]

Design and development

The AT-802U Sky Warden was developed from the Air Tractor AT-802, for the Special Operations Command's Armed Overwatch trial. A version of the AT-802 has been used for years eradicating coca leaf crops (used in the production of illicit drugs) and as a result was already outfitted with lightweight composite ballistic armored engine compartment and cockpit, called a "bathtub." The windshield features flat ballistic glass panels. The cockpit is built of a steel tube frame design to act as a roll cage, and can support the entire weight of the aircraft.[2]

The aircraft is not designed to fit ejection seats. The fuel lines and fuel tank are self-sealing and feature emergency fuel jettison.[2] Restraints include a 5-point harness equipped with airbags. Essential flight controls are present in both the front and rear seats. The landing gear configuration differs from most modern aircraft in that it is a tail-wheel configuration, which is optimal for take-off and landing on austere and unimproved airstrips.[citation needed]

The AT-802U is designed for expedient deployment and can be disassembled within a day to fit inside a single C-17 cargo aircraft.[3] It can then be reassembled to mission-ready status within a single day.[citation needed]

On 1 August 2022, Air Tractor and L3Harris were awarded a US$3 billion contract for 75 aircraft. The contract included an upfront payment of US$170 million, with the rest being paid out as the fleet is delivered. The aircraft is built in two stages; the airframe is built by Air Tractor in Olney, Texas, and the armor and weapons systems are added by L3Harris in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[4] It is to replace the U-28A Draco, often used for anti-insurgency operations.[5]

The AT-802U was officially designated the OA-1K in late 2022.[6] The designation implies the aircraft is a version of the unrelated and long retired A-1 Skyraider, another tail dragger attack aircraft which was used by AFSOC in the past. However this makes the designation non-systematic.

On 15 December 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report urging the Department of Defense to slow down the program until SOCOM makes a better justification for so many planes. GAO suggested SOCOM needs a "substantially smaller" fleet of Sky Wardens, but did not recommend a number itself.[7]

Operational history

The two AT-802Us arriving to Hurlburt Field

On June 28, 2024, two AT-802U aircraft (strictly Air Tractor airframes not modified by L3Harris) were delivered to Hurlburt Field to train test pilots and initial cadre in preparation for delivery of the missionized OA-1K. Training with the AT-802U began at Hurlburt Field the week of July 8, 2024.[8][9] Following this, an AT-802U was delivered to the 137th Special Operations Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City on July 29, 2024, also to train initial cadre.[10][11]

Operators

 United States

Specifications (AT-802U)

Data from Manufacturer[12]

General characteristics

  • Length: 37.5 ft (11.4 m)
  • Wingspan: 59.25 ft (18.06 m)
  • Height: 13 ft (4.0 m)
  • Wing area: 401 sq ft (37.3 m2)
  • Empty weight: 7,836 lb (3,554 kg) no armor or weapons
  • Gross weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: wing tanks: 380 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 320 imp gal) and fuselage tanks: 360 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 300 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop, 1,600 hp (1,200 kW)
  • Propellers: 5-bladed Hartzell Propeller Titanium Dome

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 213 kn (245 mph, 394 km/h) at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) with no weapons
  • Cruise speed: 180 kn (210 mph, 330 km/h) patrolling speed at 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
  • Stall speed: 91 kn (105 mph, 169 km/h) at max gross weight
  • Range: 1,303 nmi (1,499 mi, 2,413 km) full fuel at 8,000 feet (2,400 m)

Armament

  • Hardpoints: 10 (2 centerline and 8 wing)

References

  1. ^ D'urso, Stefano (4 August 2022). "AT-802U Sky Warden Selected By US SOCOM For Armed Overwatch". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Aircraft Survivability". Air Tractor® AT-802U. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Sky Warden™ ISR Strike Aircraft | L3Harris® Fast. Forward". l3harris.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  4. ^ Losey, Stephen (1 August 2022). "US Special Operations Command chooses L3Harris' Sky Warden for Armed Overwatch effort". Defense News. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Air Tractor AT-802U Surveillance and Light Attack Aircraft". Airforce Technology. 6 January 2021. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  6. ^ a b Cohen, Rachel S. (21 November 2022). "Here's the Air Force's plan to train armed overwatch pilots". Air Force Times. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  7. ^ Tirpak, John A. (15 December 2023). "Slow Down Armed Overwatch Until SOCOM Justifies Fleet, GAO Says". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  8. ^ "AT-802U Trainer Aircraft Arrive at Hurlburt Field". Air Force Special Operations Command. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  9. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (9 July 2024). "AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future". The War Zone. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  10. ^ "137th SOW welcomes first AT-802U aircraft". 137th Special Operations Wing. 6 August 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  11. ^ Stover, Andrew (5 August 2024). "Oklahoma Air National Guard Receives First AT-802U, Begins Training for OA-1K Sky Warden". The Aviationist. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  12. ^ "AT-802U Specifications". 802U.com. 11 November 2022.
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