Lieutenant General Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations commander, expressed enthusiasm about the new aircraft. He emphasised its unique capabilities, stating that the Skyraider II will provide solutions to challenges that the nation may not yet recognise.
Designed as a cost-effective, crewed aircraft, the Skyraider II will be versatile across a range of military operations. It will support special operations forces and the Joint Force with close air support, precision strikes, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Brigadier General Craig Prather, AFSOC’s Director of Strategic Plans, noted that while the Skyraider II is not intended to compete with fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets, it will play a crucial role in supporting forces worldwide. Its agility and adaptability will enhance AFSOC’s enduring global missions.
One of the aircraft’s most notable features is its tailwheel, a design choice reminiscent of its predecessor. This allows for short takeoffs and landings, making it well-suited for operations from unimproved or austere airfields, a key advantage for special operations missions.
Prather also highlighted the aircraft’s scalability and precision, stating that it could be deployed for a variety of operations, from border security in the southwest United States to military engagements in Africa. He emphasised its potential to challenge adversaries in competitive environments.
The original A-1 Skyraider was a crucial asset during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing essential firepower for Air Commando operations. Its resilience was exemplified by pilots such as Major Bernard Fisher and Lieutenant Colonel William A. Jones III, both of whom received the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in Skyraiders.
The first Skyraider II is expected to arrive at Hurlburt Field in Spring 2025, marking a new chapter in AFSOC’s operational capabilities.
