L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has increased production capacity at its Waco facility for the U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II and allied nations. The Waco site, with 40 years of experience in aircraft missionization, has expanded to serve as the hub for Skyraider II production and to support additional domestic and international operators. The aircraft will be developed in a newly outfitted hangar with advanced manufacturing tools and processes designed to enhance efficiency and agility. The production facility also allows technicians to streamline testing and provide rapid aircraft upgrades. Aircraft inductions are already underway at the facility, with the first deliveries on track for this fall. L3Harris continues to deliver aircraft monthly to fulfill the Skyraider II program of record and support operational needs.
“This hangar brings together the talent and technology needed to rapidly advance the Skyraider II mission and deliver the OA-1K aircraft,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, L3Harris. “The site, which supported the prototype aircraft development, flight testing and FAA certification, is uniquely positioned to carry this mission forward.”
“L3Harris is a strong partner to Waco, as demonstrated by their investment in the opening of the Skyraider II production facility. The innovation taking place here in Central Texas will not only revolutionize advancements on the battlefield, but also strengthen our local economy,” said Congressman Pete Sessions, R-Texas. “This achievement is a testament to the strong workforce we have in Texas, and it is clear that what happens in Waco has global implications.”
The Air Tractor L3Harris OA-1K Skyraider II (company name AT-802U Sky Warden) is an American fixed-wing, single-engine counter-insurgency aircraft, configured for light attack and armed ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). It is built by Air Tractor and L3Harris for the Armed Overwatch program of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was developed from the Air Tractor AT-802, an American aircraft that is used for agriculture and fire-firefighting and has been militarized in other programs. The AT-802U Sky Warden won the Armed Overwatch trial, and on 1 August 2022, SOCOM announced a US$3 billion contract to purchase 75 aircraft by 2029. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) plans to base the OA-1K at Hurlburt Field, Cannon Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces products for command and control systems, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems and products, ocean systems, instrumentation, navigation products, training devices and services, and both terrestrial/spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. The company was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019, which made it the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States.
