US Navy Operations Specialist tells in what wars the OA-1K Skyraider II COIN aircraft can do the things that need doing

OA-1K Skyraider II COIN aircraft

Based on a proven aircraft platform, the AT-802, the OA-1K Skyraider II is a new cost-effective Counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft that will support geographically isolated special operations personnel in austere locations.

Built for ISR Strike

• Rugged and Reliable – The Air Tractor 802U is designed and built for austere operations
• Effective and Flexible – Combat proven, multi-mission open systems architecture to “collapse the stack,” replacing multiple aircraft with a single aircraft
• Persistence and Payload – 6-hour loiter at 200 nm combat radius; 6,000 lb. flexible combat load-out
• Connected – Robust suite of radios and datalinks providing multiple means for line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communications
• Situational Awareness – Ability to host multiple EO/IR, ISR and other sensors
• Affordable and Sustainable – Low production and operating costs, backed by an established global sustainment network
• SOF Heritage – Mature system built on more than 1.3 million hours of ISR and Strike support and upgrades driven by mission operators
• Production-Ready
• L3Harris is converting its Sky Warden aircraft into U.S. Special Operations Command’s OK-1K Skyraider II light attack platform

The Skyraider II features a tailwheel, which has not been seen in the Air Force for over five decades.

Not all wars are the same

But why would the US Air Force focus on developing such a low tech plane like the OA-1K Skyraider II?

Eric Wikclund, former US Navy Operations Specialist, explains on Quora;

‘Not all wars are the same.

‘Sometimes you need an F-35, but that’s expensive to operate. Sometimes you can do the job with an F-16, but this less-expensive plane, is still pricey to operate.

‘Sometimes, your enemy is armed only with AK-47s, RPGs, and a fanatical desire to murder anybody that doesn’t worship their god the way the fanatics approve of.

‘In such a case as the last, why break the bank with a plane that is a significant overmatch. Better to use a plane that gets the job done, so that you can spend your nation’s money in other, more productive ways.

‘Planes like the Skyraider II cannot safely operate where there is significant air defenses. Still, not every military force can afford such pricey defenses. They only have enough money, from selling drugs or from other wealthy religious fanatics, to buy basic arms to terrify unarmed civilians.

Doing the things that need doing

‘These guys aren’t worth such expensive, advanced aircraft as the F-16. Better to eliminate their cartels and their pathological need to murder the helpless with effective, efficient COIN aircraft that can do the things that need doing.

‘Hence, the Skyraider II could be good for hunting down drug smugglers too, or engaging a political insurgency.’

Would the OA-1K Skyraider II be useful for Ukraine’s war against Russia?

Wicklund concludes;

‘You’d have to keep them far from Russian air defense, but they could be great drone killers, especially if armed with APKWS guided rockets.’

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force

Military Aviation