The OA-1K Skyraider II, known by the company designation AT-802U Sky Warden, is a specialized military aircraft developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) under the Armed Overwatch program. Designed for light attack and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the aircraft is intended to provide close air support and precision strike capabilities while operating from austere, remote airfields with limited infrastructure.
Production of the OA-1K is a collaborative effort between Air Tractor, Inc. and L3Harris Technologies. The basic airframe is manufactured by Air Tractor in Olney, Texas, based on the existing AT-802 agricultural and firefighting aircraft. Once the airframe is completed, it is transported to a L3Harris facility in Waco, Texas, where it undergoes a four-month missionization process to integrate military systems and weapons. SOCOM awarded the production contract in August 2022. While the original plan was to acquire 75 aircraft by 2029, the order was reduced to 62 aircraft in March 2024. As of May 2026, 18 aircraft have been completed.
The aircraft is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67F turboprop engine, which is characteristic of the AT-802 series and produces approximately 1,600 shp. The OA-1K features a tandem crew configuration for a pilot and a sensor/weapon operator. Its design is notable for its modularity, utilizing an open systems architecture and modular mission kits that allow the aircraft to adapt to various mission sets. The airframe measures 36 feet 3 inches in length with a wingspan of 59 feet 3 inches. It is equipped with 10 hardpoints—eight on the wings and two on the centerline—supporting a maximum external stores payload of approximately 6,000 lb. Compatible munitions include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and AGR-20 APKWS laser-guided rockets in LAU-131A/A pods. For surveillance and defense, it carries WESCAM MX-15 and MX-20 EO-IR turrets, AN/AAR-47 missile approach warning systems, and AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispensers.
In terms of performance, the OA-1K can reach a maximum speed of 213 knots (245 mph) at 10,000 feet when unarmed. It possesses a range of 1,303 nautical miles at 8,000 feet and can maintain a six-hour loiter time at a 200 nm combat radius. The United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) accepted the first missionized aircraft on April 3, 2025. The name "Skyraider II" was officially announced in February 2025, paying homage to the Douglas A-1 Skyraider and pilots such as Maj Bernard Fisher. AFSOC plans to base the aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Cannon Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.