Air Tractor AT-802

Summary

Category	Combat aircraft
Origin country	🇺🇸 United States
First flight	30 October 1990
Year of introduction	1991
Number produced	28 units

Description

The Air Tractor AT-802's origins in military usage can be traced back to its adaptation for the United States Air Force's LAAR program, which sought light counter-insurgency aircraft. In response, Air Tractor developed an armed model, the AT-802U, in 2008. The AT-802, initially a versatile, lightweight aircraft, was originally developed for agricultural purposes. The initial design drew inspiration from the 1950s "Ayres Thrush" monoplane.

In its conventional configuration, the AT-802 has conventional landing gear with two main wheels and a tail wheel. Some aircraft have been converted into the Fire Boss aerial firefighting configuration, which uses amphibious floats, allowing them to land on runways or water and scoop up water for firefighting.

The armed version, the AT-802U, was developed in 2008 in response to a growing need for light counter-insurgency aircraft. It includes enhancements such as engine and cockpit armor, a bulletproof windscreen, self-sealing fuel tanks, and reinforced structures for heavy payload carriage. A reinforced wing spar is certified for extended flight time, and the aircraft was showcased at the 2009 Paris Air Show.

This model has been used internationally; for instance, IOMAX USA converted AT-802i models with guided bombs and rockets for the UAE Air Force, which were later replaced and some transferred to Jordanian and Yemeni forces. The U.S. State Department also approved a deal for AT-802 aircraft for the Kenya Defence Forces.

The collaboration between Air Tractor and L3Harris has produced the OA-1K Sky Warden, a fixed-wing, single-engine Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance aircraft, with an ability to be disassembled and reassembled within a day for rapid deployment.

Armament

The Air Tractor AT-802U is equipped to carry a variety of armaments suitable for light attack and surveillance missions. Its arsenal includes Mk-82 bombs, Hellfire missiles, and dual M260 seven-tube rocket launchers. Additionally, it is armed with GAU-19/A three-barrel Gatling guns. This aircraft has been deployed for a range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), precision-strike, counter-insurgency, and close-air support.

The design of the AT-802U allows it to be configured with advanced systems based on operational needs, including laser-guided ordnance, sensors, and fire-control systems. Its cockpit is equipped with head-up displays (HUD), an electronic flight instrumentation system, and a retractable sensor turret system, enhancing its targeting capabilities. The aircraft also features a data link system that enables real-time battlefield views and live video feed transmission to other aircraft and command centers

Operational history

The Air Tractor AT-802 has served in diverse roles since its introduction. The aircraft has been utilized by the U.S. Department of State in counter-drug operations to spread defoliants over illicit crop areas.

Militarized versions, like the AT-802i, saw service with the UAE Air Force, partaking in missions until 2015, after which some were transferred to the Jordanian and Yemeni government forces for use in conflicts such as the Yemeni Civil War.

Recently, the US Special Operations Command planned to purchase up to 75 AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft to support special operations, with intended modifications for Armed Overwatch missions. These aircraft are expected to perform armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and are set to enter service starting in 2026.

Variants

AT-802U: An armed variant developed for light counter-insurgency, equipped with armor, a bulletproof windscreen, self-sealing fuel tanks, and reinforced structures for carrying payloads.
AT-802i: Converted by IOMAX USA into an armed configuration with Roketsan Cirit 2.75" rockets and guided bombs for the UAE Air Force.
AT-802U Sky Warden (OA-1K): Developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command's Armed Overwatch program, this variant is designed for ISR and light attack missions, with a contract announced in 2022 for up to 75 aircrafts.

Technical specifications

Version: AT-802U
Wing area	37 m² (398.3 sqft)
Wingspan	18.1 m (59.3 ft)
Height	3.9 m (12.9 ft)
Length	10.7 m (35.1 ft)
Service ceiling	7620 m (25000 ft)
Empty weight	2951 kg (6506 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	7257 kg (15999 lbs)
Climb rate	4.3 m/s (14.1 ft/s)
Powerplant	1 × turboprop Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67F delivering 1007 kW