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General characteristics
- Length: 37.5 ft (11.4 m)
- Wingspan: 59.25 ft (18.06 m)
- Height: 13 ft (4.0 m)
- Wing area: 401 sq ft (37.3 m2)
- Empty weight: 7,836 lb (3,554 kg) no armor or weapons
- Gross weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
- Fuel capacity: wing tanks: 380 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 320 imp gal) and fuselage tanks: 360 U.S. gallons (1,400 L; 300 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop, 1,600 hp (1,200 kW)
- Propellers: 5-bladed Hartzell Propeller Titanium Dome
Performance
- Maximum speed: 213 kn (245 mph, 394 km/h) at 10,000 feet (3,000 m) with no weapons
- Cruise speed: 180 kn (210 mph, 330 km/h) patrolling speed at 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
- Stall speed: 91 kn (105 mph, 169 km/h) at max gross weight
- Range: 1,303 nmi (1,499 mi, 2,413 km) full fuel at 8,000 feet (2,400 m)
The AT-802U Sky Warden is a derivative of the Air Tractor AT-802, which was originally developed for agricultural purposes. The AT-802 series aircraft have a long history of being used in crop dusting and aerial application missions due to their rugged design and reliability. The transition of the AT-802 into a military role began with the need for a specialized aircraft capable of conducting light attack and armed reconnaissance missions in austere and permissive environments, particularly for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
The development of the AT-802U Sky Warden specifically for military applications was initiated by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Following the Tongo Tongo incident in October 2017, where U.S. and Nigerien soldiers were ambushed by militants, highlighting the need for a nimble and flexible Armed Overwatch platform, SOCOM launched a search for such a capability. After a selection process, SOCOM chose a modified version of the Air Tractor AT-802, which was developed in collaboration with L3Harris, for the Armed Overwatch mission.
In August 2022, SOCOM announced the selection of the AT-802U Sky Warden for the Armed Overwatch program, awarding a contract to produce 75 aircraft. This marked a significant milestone in the history of the aircraft, transitioning it from its agricultural roots to a dedicated military platform. The Sky Warden’s design incorporates features such as ballistic armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a rugged airframe, making it well-suited for the demanding operational environments faced by special operations forces.
Since its selection, production of the Sky Warden has been underway, with plans for the aircraft to replace aging fleets of aircraft such as the U-28A Draco ISR aircraft. The Sky Warden’s capability to provide surveillance, close air support, and precision strike capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional air assets has positioned it as a valuable asset for military operations. With ongoing testing and evaluation, the AT-802U Sky Warden continues to evolve to meet the evolving needs of special operations forces and other military units around the world.
Armament: The AT-802U Sky Warden is armed with diverse munitions, making it a formidable asset for various mission scenarios. Its armament includes GBU-12 Paveway II 500-pound bombs for precision strikes on ground targets, AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles designed for engaging armored vehicles and structures with accuracy, and stand-off precision-guided munitions launched from 8x common launch tubes, providing the capability for engaging targets from a distance. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with 70 mm rockets such as the Hydra 70 or AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System, ideal for close air support and anti-personnel operations. With multiple hardpoints available, the Sky Warden can carry a versatile weapons loadout tailored to specific mission objectives, enhancing its effectiveness in providing close air support and conducting precision strikes.
What it adds in short:
- Derived from the Air Tractor AT-802, originally an agricultural aircraft.
- Adapted for military use after the Tongo Tongo ambush in 2017 highlighted the need for a specialized platform for light attack and armed reconnaissance missions.
- Selected by SOCOM in August 2022 for the Armed Overwatch program.
- Developed in collaboration with L3Harris, featuring modifications such as ballistic armor and self-sealing fuel tanks.
- Designed for rugged operational environments and optimized for cost-effective surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
- Armament includes:
- GBU-12 Paveway II 500-pound bombs
- AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles
- Stand-off precision-guided munitions launched from 8x common launch tubes
- 70 mm rockets (e.g., Hydra 70 or AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System)
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