EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Developmental testing of the OA-1K Skyraider II is underway at Eglin as evaluators work to confirm the aircraft’s capabilities for future missions, Eglin Air Force Base announced.
The 96th Test Wing, in coordination with U.S. Special Operations Command, is leading the effort to determine the Skyraider II’s military airworthiness and verify manufacturer performance data, according to Eglin Air Force Base. The testing also includes evaluating how effective the aircraft will be in its intended special operations role.
The OA-1K is described by Eglin officials as a cost-effective crewed aircraft designed to support geographically isolated special operations personnel in austere locations. It is said to have adaptable capabilities for close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Skyraider II features a tailwheel design, meaning its small wheel is positioned at the back of the aircraft rather than at the nose. This older landing gear style, sometimes called a “conventional gear” setup, requires specialized pilot training and more precise handling on the ground.
Eglin officials noted this is the first Air Force aircraft in more than 50 years to use a tailwheel, requiring the 96th Test Wing to develop new evaluation methods.
“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,” said Maj. Stephen Wakefield of the 96th Test Wing.
To prepare, pilots received extra training in the Skyraider II’s civilian variant, the AT-802, to gain proficiency flying tailwheel aircraft, the 96th Test Wing stated.
Test wing pilots from various aviation backgrounds volunteered to take part in the mission sets needed for the program, according to the 96th Test Wing.
“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 of the 96th Test Wing.
“The fun of flying it is just a perk of the job.”
Maj. Marsh said flying un-augmented UH-1Ns at the United States Naval Test Pilot School gave him an appreciation for the coordination needed for the OA-1K. He noted that there are many commonalities between helicopters and airplanes when operating at similar airspeeds.
The 96th Test Wing reported that crews have already flown human factor, handling quality, and austere landing missions, with sensor quality and weapons release evaluations planned for the next phase.
