2009 Articles

AFSOC Skytrucks The USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is poised to accept the first of ten Polish built PZL M-28 Skytrucks (licence built An-28) for the covert insertion of small teams of Special Forces. Paul Filmer reports.

The aircraft will be based at Canon AFB, NM with the 318th Special Operations Squadron, alongside other small purchase, non-standard assets such as the Pilatus PC-12.

This particular aircraft (N305ST) has been based in Colorado while a new avionics fit is flight tested and has also seen use flying crew training sorties before being officially handed over to military duties.

AFSOC intend to use the aircraft when, for instance, six special operations personnel are needed to be inserted into an unimproved airstrip. In that scenario a C-130 is too big and a PC-12 is too small, so this aircraft fits into a very niche role. GAR wants to interact with its readers so if you have a question for the author or a comment to make on this feature, please click on the button below. The best comments will appear right here on GAR.

2009-09-01 - Douglas Monk
Interesting buy. There is currently a pseudo military outfit in Afghanistan that operates CASA 212s in a very similar role.

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