USA Deploys U-28A Draco Reconnaissance Aircraft to UK

The United States Air Force has deployed several aircraft to the United Kingdom to support special operations.

This is reported by the publication Defence Blog.

It is noted that three Pilatus U-28A Draco reconnaissance aircraft, based on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, were spotted flying towards the North Sea.

Observers identified the aircraft with call signs AGREE32, AGREE34 and AGREE36, which took off from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Coningsby on the morning of January 7.

The aircraft then maneuvered northward near the coast of Scotland.

Analysis of the flight route shows that all three aircraft reached operating altitude and were flying within the same sector of the North Sea.

Earlier, a video with CV-22B Osprey Convertiplane aircraft from the 7th Special Operations Squadron based at RAF Mildenhall was also posted on social media.

The footage shows the training of the elements of a quick landing using ropes.

It is possible that this activity is part of preparations for operations to intercept sanctioned vessels of the so-called ‘shadow fleet.’

Pilatus U-28A Draco

The U-28A is based on the Swiss Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft. In the early 2000s, the U.S. Special Operations Command needed a relatively cheap aircraft to conduct reconnaissance and coordinate units in areas with limited or weak air defense.

The PC-12 was chosen because of its cost-effectiveness, ability to operate from short runways, and high reliability.

After extensive modernization, the platform was designated the U-28A Draco and entered service in the mid-2000s.

Specifications:

• Crew: 2 pilots + system operators
• Length: about 14.4 m
• Wingspan: 16,3 м
• Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop
• Maximum speed: ~500 km/h
• Cruising speed: ~440 km/h
• Practical ceiling: up to 9,100 m
• Range: over 2,400 km
• Flight duration: up to 7 hours or more (depending on configuration)