Just over a month after the U.S. Air Force announced it would cut back on plans to acquire the platform, L3Harris revealed that it has expanded its production capabilities for the new OA-1K Skyraider II attack aircraft, designed to equip the USAF’s Special Operations Command. In particular, the company detailed that the effort involved expanding its facilities in Waco, Texas.
Expanding on the details, L3Harris’ official statement explained that the new aircraft will be produced in a fully modernized hangar equipped with advanced tools and production lines, acquired by the company to streamline and optimize both manufacturing and testing processes. At the time of the announcement, made on August 27, the company stated that the facilities were already operational and set to begin building new OA-1K Skyraider II units, projecting monthly deliveries to the U.S. Air Force in accordance with its requirements.
On the matter, Jason Lambert, president of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris, said: “This hangar brings together the talent and technology needed to rapidly advance the Skyraider II mission and deliver the OA-1K aircraft. The site, which supported prototype development, flight testing, and FAA certification, is uniquely positioned to carry this mission forward.”
For his part, Texas Republican Congressman Pete Sessions highlighted the company’s role in the region’s economic development, now strengthened by the updated hangar: “L3Harris is a strong partner for Waco, as demonstrated by its investment in opening the Skyraider II production facility. The innovation being implemented here in Central Texas will not only revolutionize advances on the battlefield but will also strengthen our local economy.”
Returning to the doubts initially raised by the U.S. Air Force regarding the aircraft, it is worth recalling that at the end of July the service cut its planned OA-1K Skyraider II acquisition from twelve to six for the next fiscal year, while in its previous year’s budget submission it had already made a similar cut from fifteen to twelve units. It should be noted that the USAF originally aimed to field a total of 75 new attack aircraft to reinforce the support capabilities of its special operations units, though by that point only 45 were under contract.
This does not mean, however, that the service has stopped conducting various tests with the aircraft it already possesses to ensure they meet operational requirements. As previously reported, these evaluations have been carried out from Eglin Air Force Base by personnel from the 96th Test Wing. According to the plans, the tests included an initial stage to assess the airworthiness of the OA-1K Skyraider II, followed by further assessments of its performance in close air support, armed intelligence, and reconnaissance roles.
Image credits: L3Harris
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