Eglin, Florida, The US Air Force is the latest aircraft for special operations OA-1K Sky Rider IIThe development test is continuing.
This test 96 Test SquadronThe US Air Force Special Operations Command is jointly conducted and focuses on verifying whether it meets the demanding operational requirements in modern battlefields.
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The main goal of the test team is to evaluate the effectiveness of the aircraft’s flight suitability certification, the accuracy of the manufacturer provided performance data, and the effectiveness of the actual special operation mission.
OA-1K Sky Rider II Low cost incentive platformDesigned as a geographically isolated and poor environment, it is designed to support special troops. This aircraft Melee Airlines Support, Precision Strike, Armed Scouts, ISR (Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) It can respond flexibly to various missions.
Unusual design and operational challenge task
One of the most notable features of OA-1K is Tail wheel (tail wheel) formatThe landing device has been adopted. This is a structure that has not been used for more than 50 years in the US Air Force, and the test managers had to develop new ways to measure and authenticate the aircraft’s performance.
“We needed a lot of cooperation in all areas, from regulation to operational support for the operation of Sky Rider II.” Major Stephen Wakefield(96 Test Squadron) explained. He is also a private version of the pilot so that the pilots can adapt to the tail wheel control. AT-802He said he had been using special training.
Elite pilots participate in the test
Veteran pilots with various aircraft and operational experiences participated in the Sky Rider II exam. Major Jacob Mashi(96) emphasized the complexity and value of experience as follows:
“OA-1K controls are rewarding and very challenging.” The joy of flight is only a bonus of this day. ”
Major Mashi has been in the past UH-1N The helicopter was controlled at the Naval Testing School, and at low speeds, the fact that the helicopter and the fixed -wing aircraft were similar in the low speed helped to adapt to the new model.
The current status of the test and the future plan
To date, the test team Landing tests including human element evaluation, Operation evaluation in poor terrainAnd the mission focused on the quality of the installation sensor. In the future, OA-1K ArmedIt is also scheduled to proceed.
OA-1K Sky Rider II, which has a strong and flexible structure for important missions performed in harsh environments, is attracting attention as a promising power enhancement for US special operations.
Source and photo: US Air Force / 96 Test Squadron / Eglin Air Force Base. This content was written with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
