Recon Crop Duster: Special Ops Selects Modified AT-802U Platform for Armed Overwatch

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has selected Sky Warden, a heavily modified crop duster platform purpose-built by L3Harris Technologies in collaboration with Air Tractor, for its Armed Overwatch program, it announced.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, August 03, 2022 at 03:43 PM ET

Verified

USSOCOM selected Sky Warden, L3Harris and Air Tractor’s system, for its Armed Overwatch program. The fleet will address SOCOM’s need for a deployable, sustainable single-engine fixed-wing, crewed and affordable aircraft system. [Photo courtesy L3Harris Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has selected Sky Warden, a heavily modified Air Tractor AT-802U crop duster developed by L3Harris Technologies, for its Armed Overwatch program.
The Sky Warden is designed to provide affordable close air support, armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities, especially for operations in austere environments.
The initial award includes 75 aircraft valued up to $170 million, with the total contract potentially reaching $3 billion, and is slated to replace the Air Force's U-28 aircraft fleet.
The aircraft is production-ready, with deliveries expected to begin in less than a year, aiming for operational capability by 2026 and full operation by 2029.

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SOCOM’s initial purchase award is valued up to $170 million for 75 Sky Warden aircraft, with the indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery contract award worth up to $3 billion.