The U-28A is a crewed, tactical ISR and targeting platform based on the Pilatus PC-12. The USSOCOM-owned aircraft are operated by AFSOC as a nonstandard fleet. Draco is employed worldwide in support of special operations ground forces, humanitarian efforts, and search and rescue. AFSOC first employed the aircraft during Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as well as Iraqi Freedom.
Mission equipment includes advanced radiocomms suite, IR suppression, missile, hostile fire and laser warning, EO sensors, remote SIGINT, and advanced navigation systems. The primary Multispectral Targeting System includes FMV, EO-IR, IR real-time video, and coaligned laser designator. Recent upgrades include U-28 EQ+ mods that add high-definition FMV to EQ/PC-12 configured aircraft for extended standoff “find, fix, finish” capabilities in support of counter-ISIS ops. Additional improvements include Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning to prevent flight-into-terrain accidents, updated BLOS SATCOM connectivity, and navigation mods to enable ops in GPS-degraded environments. Two aircraft were lost to fatal mishaps in Djibouti in 2012 and at Cannon in 2017, and FY21 funds were allocated to replace an airframe lost in an airfield attack at a forward location. AFSOC surpassed 600,000 flying hours including 328,000 in direct support of combat operations in early 2021. SOCOM announced it is procuring a fleet of 75 AT-802U Sky Warden light attack/ armed reconnaissance aircraft to replace the U-28A as well as the MC-12W. AFSOC plans to complete transition from the U-28 by 2029.
Contractor: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
First Flight: May 31, 1991 (PC-12).
Delivered: 2006-present
IOC: June 2006.
Production: 36.
Inventory: 30 (U-28A); five (PC-12) (both USSOCOM-owned).
Operator: AFSOC, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Active Variants: •U-28A. Special operations variant of the civilian Pilatus PC-12. •PC-12. Converted civilian Pilatus PC-12 equipped for SOF support/training.
Dimensions: Span 53.3 ft, length 47.3 ft, height 14 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 10,935 lb.
Power Plant: Single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B, 1,200 shp.
Performance: Speed 253 mph, range 1,725 miles.
Ceiling: 30,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, CSO, tactical systems officer; up to nine passengers or 3,000 lb cargo (configuration dependent).