Pilatus U-28 Draco

The Pilatus U-28A Draco is a crewed, tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and targeting platform operated by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). This single-engine turboprop was first procured by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in October 2005 for operational support. It is a version of the Pilatus PC-12 modified by the Sierra Nevada Corporation and equipped with dedicated sensors and communications to provide real-time full-motion video to ground forces. The U-28's mission is to serve as a tactical airborne ISR asset for special operations forces.

The U-28 can operate from semi-prepared airfields with limited infrastructure and personnel. The aircraft has been employed worldwide, most prominently in the Middle East and Africa, but also in Europe and the Pacific, in support of special operations ground forces, humanitarian efforts, and search and rescue. It is used to hunt high-value terrorist targets as part of the "Find, Fix, Finish" kill chain. On 19 June 2019, the U-28 received the name Draco, Latin for Dragon.

Expert behind this article

Jim Goodrich

Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.

What is the Pilatus U-28 Draco?

The Pilatus U-28 Draco is the Pilatus-SNC U-28A Draco operated by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The Pilatus U-28A Draco is an American special operations, tactical ISR and targeting aircraft. It is a militarized version of the single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12, modified by Sierra Nevada Corporation and operated by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The U-28A Draco plays a key part in intelligence, reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and surveillance. It is involved in gathering actionable intelligence, conducting reconnaissance in sensitive regions, and aiding counterterrorism efforts. It has also been used to hunt high-value terrorist targets, taking part in the "Find, Fix, Finish" kill chain, and can serve as a light utility aircraft if required.

The aircraft carries a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras and a signals intelligence (SIGINT) suite. The signal-catching gear has a frequency range from 20 million cycles per second to 40 gigahertz, catching enemy talk and radio messages. Due to AI and automation, the spy gear finds signals from enemies. The U-28A has a laser pointer that lights up targets on the ground with infrared light, using standard military codes. The laser helps guide bombs like the GBU-12 Paveway II, Griffin missiles, and Hellfire missiles. It acts as a spotter, hitting a bright dot onto targets, and missiles follow on bounce light. This gets rid of the need for a targeting pod, starts attacks from low platforms, and calls strikes in weather that degrades sensors. The laser also provides coordinates for dumb bombs and artillery, and sends data via datalink and talk box.

The first U-28 squadron started flying in early 2006 from Hurlburt Field, Florida. The crew includes two fliers and one weapon systems operator. The aircraft runs from Air Force bases and is sent to warzones in Africa and parts of Asia. Training has a curriculum with simulators and MAJCOM-approved courses, and certification gives an official U-28 pilot license. Operating cost is $3,600 per flight hour.

What are the specifications of the Pilatus U-28?

The specifications of the Pilatus U-28 are given in the table below.

The Pilatus U-28A has a wingspan of 53.3 feet (16.23 meters), a length of 47.3 feet (14.4 meters), and a height of 14 feet (4.25 meters). Its maximum takeoff weight is 10,935 pounds (4,960 kilograms). Empty mass is about 2,973 pounds (1,349 kilograms). It can carry up to nine passengers or 1,361 kilograms (3,000 pounds) of cargo, configuration dependent.

Due to its single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B turboprop producing 1,200 shaft horsepower, max cruise speed is 270 knots true airspeed. Typical speed is 220 knots (253 mph). Range is 1,500 nautical miles (1,725 miles). The ceiling is 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). Ground roll at max takeoff weight is 1,475 feet (450 meters). The crew consists of two pilots, one Tactical Systems Operator, and one Combat Systems Officer. However, the aircraft can be flown by one pilot. Unit cost is $16.5 million.

What is the performance of the Pilatus U-28?

The performance of the Pilatus U-28 is given in the table below.

The Pilatus U-28 has a speed of 253 mph (407 km/h) and range of 1,725 miles (2,776 km). Max cruise speed is 270 knots true airspeed. Rate of climb is 721 feet per minute. The fastest rate of climb is 3.66 meters each second per second (12.01 feet per second per second). Ground roll is 1,475 ft. (450 m) at max takeoff weight. The PT6A67B has an efficiency of 0.53 pounds of fuel per pound of push per hour (0.53 kilograms of fuel per kilogram of push per hour).

What is the price for the Pilatus U-28?

The Pilatus U-28 has a starting price of between 4.9 and 5.3 million US dollars. The price to change a PC12 is $13.5 million per aircraft, so unit cost is $16.5 million. The aircraft was first deployed in 2006, with a unit cost of $16.5 million.