Designed as a cost-effective, crewed platform, the Skyraider II will support special operations personnel in remote and austere locations. Its capabilities include close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), making it adaptable for a range of mission requirements.
A notable feature of the Skyraider II is its tailwheel design, which marks the return of such a configuration to the Air Force after more than 50 years. This unique aspect necessitated the development of a new testing methodology to ensure proper performance validation.
“There was quite a bit that went into this, from making sure we were compliant on the regulatory side, to ensuring we had the proper operations support for the Skyraider II,” explained Maj. Stephen Wakefield of the 96th Test Wing. To meet these needs, extra pilot training with the aircraft’s civilian variant, the AT-802, was essential to mastering the tailwheel operation.
Test pilots selected for the programme brought diverse experience relevant to the Skyraider II’s mission profile. “Flying the OA-1K has been a rewarding experience and certainly something that has required me to bring my skills to work every day,” said Maj. Jacob Marsh, 96th TW.
Marsh, who previously flew un-augmented UH-1Ns at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, noted similarities in coordination requirements between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft operating at comparable airspeeds. His background provided valuable insight into the aircraft’s unique handling characteristics.
To date, test missions have included human factors assessments, handling quality evaluations, and austere landing scenarios. Future phases of testing will focus on sensor performance and weapons release capabilities as the aircraft moves closer to full operational integration.
