Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

Latest in Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

Orphaned A-29 Super Tucano Attack Planes Join USAF Test Pilot School Fleet

Orphaned A-29 Super Tucano Attack Planes Join USAF Test Pilot School Fleet

By Thomas Newdick, Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Oct 9, 2024
Aurora Flight Sciences has released new renderings of an uncrewed fan-in-wing vertical take-off-and-landing capable demonstrator aircraft it is currently working on, as well as of a revised vision for a scaled-up stealthy cargo aircraft based on the same technology.

New Vision For Lift Fan Aircraft Family Grows From Special Operations X-Plane Program

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Oct 9, 2024
U-28 retirement

Plans To Axe Special Operations Surveillance Planes Come Under The Microscope

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 27, 2024
The U.S. Air Force's top special operations officer says AC-130J Ghostriders will continue being armed with 105mm howitzers for the foreseeable future despite the gunships evolving to as focus shifts to preparing for high-end fights.

AC-130J Ghostrider Gunships Will Keep Their 105mm Howitzers, For Now

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 19, 2024
MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 13, 2024
Air Force special operations aviators are now training on AT-802U aircraft ahead of the arrival of their first OA-1K Sky warden light attack planes while questions grow about the program's future.

AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Jul 9, 2024
Aurora Flight Sciences has unveiled a new uncrewed fan-in-wing aircraft concept as part of ongoing work for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Revised Lift Fan Aircraft Concept Emerges From Special Ops X-Plane Program

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on May 21, 2024
Air Force Special Operations Command is looking at expanding its ability to land on beaches around the world as part of a shift toward "runway agnostic" operations.

Special Ops C-130s Using Beaches As Runways Eyed For Pacific Fight

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 19, 2023
AC-130 Gunship Laser Weapon Program’s Future Is Looking Blurry

AC-130 Gunship Laser Weapon Program’s Future Is Looking Blurry

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on May 11, 2023
Retirement Of MC-130H Speeds Up MC-130J Low-Flying Radar Upgrade

Retirement Of MC-130H Speeds Up MC-130J Low-Flying Radar Upgrade

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Apr 11, 2023
MQ-9 Special Operations Sky Guardian

USAF Special Ops Buys MQ-9B SkyGuardians To Test Air-Launched Drone Concepts

By Emma Helfrich
Posted on Mar 7, 2023
MAC MC-130

C-130 Seaplane Program Put On Back Burner (Updated)

By Howard Altman
Updated on Feb 2, 2023
C-130 Amphibian

C-130 Seaplane Should Fly In 2023 Says Air Force Special Ops Commander

By Howard Altman
Posted on Sep 21, 2022
U.S. Says Its Diplomats Are Out Of Ukraine After U.S. Special Ops Planes Tracked Near Polish Border (Updated)

U.S. Says Its Diplomats Are Out Of Ukraine After U.S. Special Ops Planes Tracked Near Polish Border (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Feb 22, 2022
It Looks Like A C-130 Seaplane Is Finally Happening

It Looks Like A C-130 Seaplane Is Finally Happening

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Sep 16, 2021
MC-130J Commando II Simulated Launching A Pallet Of Cruise Missiles During A Mock Strike Mission

MC-130J Commando II Simulated Launching A Pallet Of Cruise Missiles During A Mock Strike Mission

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Jun 7, 2021