The Mighty Roar of the Dragon
By Mike Russell, Colonel, USAF (Retired)
What typically comes to mind when we think about classic Air Force Special Operation aircraft are the AC-130 gunships, MC-130 Combat Talons and Combat Shadows, MH-53M Pave Low and MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, and CV-22 Ospreys. Some folks may remember, the Hueys and H-3s, perhaps even AC-119s, SC-47s, or AT-37s or any of the myriad of birds proudly perched in the airpark at Hurlburt Field. Each played a significant role and has earned its place in the legacy of special operation aviation. But for the last 18 years a decidedly low-key platform has been hard at work “in the shadows” performing tactical air mission coordinator duties and providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in support of special operations ground forces as well as search and rescue, and humanitarian missions.
This aircraft was dubbed the U-28A and, in 2019, was given the official nickname Draco…Latin for dragon and a constellation in the far northern sky. Since their introduction, this small fleet of low-profile aircraft have become an increasingly important component of US counter-terrorism operations, providing real time ISR and time sensitive mission support all over the world.
Off The Shelf
In October 2005, the Air Force’s 319th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) received a new aircraft. It was the small but mighty PC-12; a single-engine turboprop passenger and cargo aircraft. After under going a series of modifications, the newly designated U-28 flew its first combat mission in June 2006, six U-28As became part of the 319th Special Operations Squadron. The Air Force’s U-28 fleet has since grown to 28 aircraft.
The U-28A is a military version of the Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12, a plane popular with commercial users all over the world since 1991, and is a relatively inexpensive aircraft with modest operating costs. The non-militarized PC-12 can carry up to nine passengers and cargo from remote airstrips and has a range of approximately 1,500 miles. It has a cruising speed at altitude of 310 miles per hour and can successfully take off in 2,450 feet and land in 3,050. It is excellent for landing on dirt and grass strips, making the airframe well suited for missions in the Middle East and Africa. The U-28A retains the PC-12’s commercial profile and blends in well with civilian aircraft operating in those areas during sensitive operations. The initial mission of the 319th SOS was tactical mobility supporting US Special Operations Forces. According to Air Force Special Operations Command’s Capt Kristen K. Duncan, “These aircraft give us the flexibility to (quietly) move smaller amounts of people and cargo to remote or austere airfields that our larger aircraft could not use.” By 2012 the 319th’s mission had fully evolved and was announced as tactical ISR…. Continue reading this article