# Pilatus U-28 Draco
The **Pilatus U-28 Draco** is a modified, single-engine [Pilatus PC-12](https://www.edgepedia.org/pilatus-pc-12) aircraft operated by the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) as a manned, fixed-wing tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform for special operations forces.[1](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/afsoc/publication/afsoci32-1084/afsoci32-1084.pdf) • [2](https://www.10af.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/967363/u-28-a/) The aircraft operates worldwide and is certified to operate from short and semi-prepared airfields.[2](https://www.10af.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/967363/u-28-a/)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basis | Military adaptation of the Swiss Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop[3](https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-u-28a-quietly-serves-socom-2/) |
| Role | Manned airborne ISR in support of special operations forces, part of the AFSOC ISR fleet[1](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/afsoc/publication/afsoci32-1084/afsoci32-1084.pdf) |
| Fielding | Rapidly fielded in 2006 to address specific ISR needs from short and semi-prepared runways[4](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/) |
| First combat use | Employed during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom[5](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons/u-28a/) |
| Inventory | 30 U-28A, plus two USSOCOM-owned PC-12 aircraft[5](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons/u-28a/) |
| Funding | Purchased with Special Operations Command (SOCOM), rather than Air Force, funding[3](https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-u-28a-quietly-serves-socom-2/) |
| Planned replacement | SOCOM's armed overwatch program, the OA-1K Skyraider II, is expected to replace the U-28 fleet[4](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/) |
## Origin and procurement
The U-28A arose from mission needs that outpaced standard acquisition channels. The rapidly changing and diverse requirements of Special Operations Command generated a need for small numbers of mission-specific aircraft, which were procured rapidly to address specific mission needs.[2](https://www.10af.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/967363/u-28-a/) The U-28, a modified Pilatus PC-12, was rapidly fielded in 2006 to provide ISR capability while operating from short and semi-prepared runways.[4](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/)
The fleet was purchased with SOCOM rather than Air Force funding. An early squadron received six U-28A aircraft for intra-theater support of special operations forces.[3](https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-u-28a-quietly-serves-socom-2/) The aircraft has been integral to [United States Special Operations Command](https://www.edgepedia.org/united-states-special-operations-command) operations since its induction.[6](https://www.governmentprocurement.com/news/u-28a)
## Design and mission
The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 that operates worldwide, with certification to operate from short and semi-prepared airfields.[2](https://www.10af.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/967363/u-28-a/) Air Force regulations governing the type note that some variants were known as the PC-12 in some regulations until name standardization was completed, and that the aircraft flies worldwide operational and training missions.[7](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2u-28v3/afman11-2u-28v3.pdf)
As part of the AFSOC manned airborne ISR fleet, it carries sensor equipment suited to surveillance over the battlefield.[1](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/afsoc/publication/afsoci32-1084/afsoci32-1084.pdf)
## Operational history
AFSOC first employed the aircraft during [Operation Enduring Freedom](https://www.edgepedia.org/operation-enduring-freedom) in Afghanistan as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom.[5](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons/u-28a/) The small fleet has been heavily used in the ISR role.[4](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/)
**2012 Djibouti crash.** On 18 February 2012, U-28A, tail number 07-0736, assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, and deployed to the 34th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron at [Camp Lemonnier](https://www.edgepedia.org/camp-lemonnier), Djibouti, was lost.[8](https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2012/u-28a_aib_18feb12.htm) Four Hurlburt Field airmen died in the crash.[9](https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/162722/four-hurlburt-airmen-die-in-u-28a-crash-in-djibouti/)
## Replacement
SOCOM's armed overwatch aircraft are expected to replace the U-28 Draco, according to the AFSOC commander.[4](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/) In 2022 the Air Force moved to replace the U-28A as well as the MC-12W, redesignating the effort around the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft.[10](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-Almanac-Fullissue.pdf) The planned AFSOC-operated fleet of 75 aircraft was cut to 62, with 40 OA-1Ks to be delivered through mid-2026.[10](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-Almanac-Fullissue.pdf)
## References
1. [AFSOCI 32-1084, Air Force Special Operations Command, 24 June 2022](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/afsoc/publication/afsoci32-1084/afsoci32-1084.pdf)
2. [U-28 A Fact Sheet, 10th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command](https://www.10af.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/967363/u-28-a/)
3. [The U-28A Quietly Serves SOCOM, Defense Media Network](https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-u-28a-quietly-serves-socom-2/)
4. [SOCOM's Armed Overwatch Expected to Replace the AFSOC U-28 Fleet, Air & Space Forces Magazine](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/socoms-armed-overwatch-expected-to-replace-the-afsoc-u-28-fleet/)
5. [U-28A Draco, Air & Space Forces Magazine](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons/u-28a/)
6. [The Evolution of the U-28A: From Civilian Utility to Special Operations Powerhouse, Government Procurement](https://www.governmentprocurement.com/news/u-28a)
7. [AFMAN 11-2U-28V3, Aircrew Operations, U-28](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2u-28v3/afman11-2u-28v3.pdf)
8. [United States Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report, U-28A, T/N 07-0736, 18 February 2012](https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2012/u-28a_aib_18feb12.htm)
9. [Four Hurlburt Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti, AFSOC](https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/162722/four-hurlburt-airmen-die-in-u-28a-crash-in-djibouti/)
10. [Air & Space Forces Magazine 2026 Almanac issue](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-Almanac-Fullissue.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Aviation › Military aviation › Military aircraft by type and era › Reconnaissance, AEW, and support aircraft › Reconnaissance aircraft types*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license