U-28A Draco Background The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and is part of the Air Force Special Operations Command manned, airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet. Operational squadrons include the 319th, 34th and 318th Special Operations Squadrons, and the 5th and 19th SOS conduct the airframe’s formal training. Mission The U-28A provides manned fixed-wing tactical airborne ISR support to humanitarian operations, search and rescue and conventional and special operation missions. Features AFSOC fielded the U-28A fleet through the purchase of commercially available aircraft and subsequent military modification to include tactical communications capabilities, aircraft survivability equipment, electro-optical sensors, and advanced navigation systems. The advanced radio-communications suite is capable of establishing U.S. Department of Defense and NATO data-links, delivering full-motion video, and transmitting secure voice communications. The U-28A benefits from outstanding reliability and performance, and the aircraft is capable of operating from short runways and semi-prepared surfaces. Background The diverse AFSOC mission requirements generated a need for small numbers of mission-specific aircraft which were procured rapidly to address specific mission needs. The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 that operates worldwide. The U-28A is part of AFSOC’s light tactical fixed wing fleet, formerly known as non-standard aviation. The initial block of U-28 aircraft were procured and modified for use in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. All U-28A aircraft are maintained through contractor logistics support. 210729-F-HK519-1471 A U-28 Draco assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command lands after completing a personnel recovery demonstration at Wittman Regional Airport, Wis., July 29, 2021. AFSOC brought a multitude of aircraft to EAA AirVenutre Oshkosh 21 to showcase capabilities of airpower through aerial demonstration and static displays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mahoney) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 200812-F-NS874-1073 A U-28A Draco assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 12, 2020. The Draco’s mission is to provide manned fixed-wing tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support to humanitarian operations, search and rescue, conventional and special operations missions worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Blake Wiles) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 190719-F-SN365-1076 U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Holt, special assistant to the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, taxis a U-28A Draco down the Hurlburt Field flightline during his “Fini” flight at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 19, 2019. Holt has flown the U-28A for 12 years and has accrued approximately 700 flight hours in his 28 years of service in Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dennis Spain) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res General Characteristics Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer, 1 Tactical Systems Operator Builder: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Power Plant: Pratt-Whitney PT6A-67B Thrust: 1,200 horsepower Wingspan: 53 feet 3 inches (16.23 meters) Length: 47 feet 3 inches (14.4 meters) Height: 14 feet (4.25 meters) Speed: 220 knots Range: 1,500 nautical miles Ceiling: 30,000 feet Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,935 lbs Deployment Date: 2006 Unit Cost: $16.5 million Inventory: Active duty, 28; Reserve/ANG, 0 (Current as of March 2021)