In its quest for more effective close-air support (CAS), the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is turning away from the Air Force and is looking to purchase its own aircraft.
According to a solicitation published on the U.S. government’s site, SOCOM is looking to set up a fleet of at least 75 armed overwatch aircraft. The most likely candidates for the program are the AT-6 Wolverine and A-29 Super Tucano.
SOCOM’s intend for the aircraft is to provide “Special Operations Forces (SOF) deployable and sustainable manned aircraft systems fulfilling Close Air Support (CAS), Precision Strike, and SOF Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) in austere and permissive environments.”
For some time now, the different Special Operations components have requested more air protection, whether that is close-air support or reconnaissance. Back in October, the Air Force announced its Light Attack initiative. The program aims to experiment with light-attack aircraft for the purposes of close-air support in an environment of air superiority. The concept is ideal for counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
An Afghan Air Force (AAF) A-29 Super Tucano.
But SOCOM’s concern is that the Air Force is taking its time in selecting the ideal aircraft. So now, the Special Operations Command seeks to cut the “middleman” and field a fleet on its own. If the initiative is greenlighted by the lawmakers, it will fall under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air Force’s SOF component command, to provide the crews and maintenance personnel.
Interestingly, SOCOM is opting for manned as opposed to remotely-piloted aircraft (RPAs). But some of its units have been devastatingly effective with RPAs. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s (Airborne) RPA elements (Foxtrot and Echo Companies) have been taking names ever since they were activated.
Last year, Echo Company was declared the Unmanned Aircraft Systems unit of the Year. In support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan) and Operation Inherent Resolve (anti-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria), Echo Company conducted approximately 1,063 combat sorties (about 10,387 hours of combat operations) in support of U.S. and Coalition Special Operations units. The unit was credited with 340 Enemy Killed in Action (EKIA) and 38 Enemy Wounded in Action (EWIA). But they did more than stack bodies. The unit also conducted hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and target acquisition missions.
Foxtrot and Echo Companies utilize the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range RPAs.
In its quest for more effective close-air support (CAS), the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is turning away from the Air Force and is looking to purchase its own aircraft.
According to a solicitation published on the U.S. government’s site, SOCOM is looking to set up a fleet of at least 75 armed overwatch aircraft. The most likely candidates for the program are the AT-6 Wolverine and A-29 Super Tucano.
SOCOM’s intend for the aircraft is to provide “Special Operations Forces (SOF) deployable and sustainable manned aircraft systems fulfilling Close Air Support (CAS), Precision Strike, and SOF Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) in austere and permissive environments.”
For some time now, the different Special Operations components have requested more air protection, whether that is close-air support or reconnaissance. Back in October, the Air Force announced its Light Attack initiative. The program aims to experiment with light-attack aircraft for the purposes of close-air support in an environment of air superiority. The concept is ideal for counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
An Afghan Air Force (AAF) A-29 Super Tucano.
But SOCOM’s concern is that the Air Force is taking its time in selecting the ideal aircraft. So now, the Special Operations Command seeks to cut the “middleman” and field a fleet on its own. If the initiative is greenlighted by the lawmakers, it will fall under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air Force’s SOF component command, to provide the crews and maintenance personnel.
Interestingly, SOCOM is opting for manned as opposed to remotely-piloted aircraft (RPAs). But some of its units have been devastatingly effective with RPAs. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s (Airborne) RPA elements (Foxtrot and Echo Companies) have been taking names ever since they were activated.
Last year, Echo Company was declared the Unmanned Aircraft Systems unit of the Year. In support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan) and Operation Inherent Resolve (anti-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria), Echo Company conducted approximately 1,063 combat sorties (about 10,387 hours of combat operations) in support of U.S. and Coalition Special Operations units. The unit was credited with 340 Enemy Killed in Action (EKIA) and 38 Enemy Wounded in Action (EWIA). But they did more than stack bodies. The unit also conducted hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and target acquisition missions.
Foxtrot and Echo Companies utilize the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range RPAs.
But the 160th SOAR isn’t the only unit under SOCOM to utilize RPAs. The 75th Ranger Regiment is also fielding RPAs in its Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB), the newest addition to the Regiment. Although the Regiment still depends on other units for its close-air support, the inclusion of organic RPAs signals a desire to be independent.
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.