Pilatus U-28 Draco
| Pilatus U-28 Draco | |
|---|---|
| A U-28A Draco taking off from Nellis AFB on 29 May 2024. | |
| General information | |
| Role | Special operations, tactical ISR, Forward Air Control, counter-insurgency. |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus Aircraft (base aircraft), Sierra Nevada Corporation (militarization) |
| Issued by | United States Special Operations Command |
| Service | Air Force Special Operations Command |
| Number built | 30+, 28 in service as of January 2025 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 2006 |
| Developed from | Pilatus PC-12 |
The Pilatus-SNC U-28A Draco is an American special operations, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), forward air control, and counter insurgency aircraft operated by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It is a version of the single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12 modified by the Sierra Nevada Corporation which was first acquired by SOCOM in October 2005 to provide support for special operations forces.
Dedicated sensors and communication equipment allow it to provide real time full-motion video to ground forces and serve as their "eyes in the sky". This surveillance capability also makes it a valuable Tactical Air Control aircraft, coordinating Close Air support efforts from other aircraft in a "stack". The U-28 has also been used to hunt high-value terrorist targets, taking part in the "Find, Fix, Finish" kill chain. Being based on the rugged PC-12, the U-28 can operate with limited infrastructure and personnel, from austere semi-prepared airfields and remote locations.