The U.S. Air Force’s OA-1K Skyraider II, a new light attack and reconnaissance aircraft, has entered developmental testing at Eglin Air Force Base, the service said in a recent press release.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the testing is being led by the 96th Test Wing in coordination with the U.S. Special Operations Command.
🇺🇸 An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range, July 10, 2025. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and the U.S. Special Operations Command at… pic.twitter.com/uzzOCHocVo
— Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) July 29, 2025
“The test team goals are to evaluate the Skyraider II’s military airworthiness and verify [the] manufacturer’s performance data accuracy. Lastly, the team will evaluate how effective the aircraft is at its purposed special operations mission,” the Air Force stated.
Based on the AT-802 airframe, the Skyraider II features integrated sensors, weapons systems, and a distinctive tailwheel landing gear, marking the first use of this configuration by the Air Force in more than 50 years.
According to manufacturer L3Harris, the aircraft can reach speeds of 245 miles per hour at 10,000 feet and has a range of 1,500 miles at 8,000 feet.
The OA-1K Skyraider II supports special operations in remote areas, with capabilities for close air support, precision strike, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The test campaign has so far focused on evaluating human factors, flight handling, and performance during austere landings. Upcoming trials will assess weapons deployment and sensor effectiveness, according to reports.
