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.
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 and aircraft survivability equipment. The U-28A benefits from outstanding reliability and performance, and the aircraft is capable of operating from short runways and semi-prepared surfaces.
The U-28A is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions.
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.
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)
Range: 1,500 nautical miles
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,935 lbs
Deployment Date: 2006
Unit Cost: $16.5 million
Inventory: Active duty, 28; Reserve/ANG, 0
(Current as of January 2025)