U-28 A Background The rapidly changing and diverse Special Operations Command mission requirements generated a need for small numbers of mission specific aircraft which were procured rapidly to address specific mission needs. The Non-Standard Aircraft (NSAv) fleet is a general program term and encompasses several light and medium aircraft performing utility missions for SOCOM. Overall the NSAv mobility fleet untethers special operations forces from robust infrastructures, extended timelines and allows freedom of movement. The U-28A is part of AFSOC's NSAv fleet, and is operated by the 319th and 34th Special Operations Squadrons, training is conducted by the 5th and 19th SOS; all squadrons are located at Hurlburt Field, FL. Mission The U-28A provides a manned fixed wing, on-call/surge capability for Improved Tactical Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in support of Special Operations Forces. The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 that operates worldwide. The initial block of U-28 aircraft were procured and modified for use in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The U-28A fleet evolved from commercially available aircraft that were purchased and then modified with communications gear, aircraft survivability equipment, electro-optical sensors, and advanced navigation systems. The advanced radio-communications suite is capable of establishing DoD/NATO data-links, full-motion video, data, and voice communications. The U-28A has outstanding reliability and performance, and is certified to operate from short and semi-prepared airfields. All U-28A aircraft are maintained through contractor logistics support. General Characteristics Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Combat Systems Officer Builder: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Power Plant: Pratt-Whitney PT6A-67B Thrust: 1,200 SHP Wingspan: 53' 3" (16.23 m) Length: 47' 3" (14.4 m) Height: 14' (4.25 m) Speed: 270 KTAS Range: 1,500 NM Ceiling: 29,000 MSL Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,935 lbs Deployment Date: 2006 Unit Cost: $16.5M Inventory: Active duty, 21