USSOCOM Chooses L3Harris - Air Tractor Team for Armed Overwatch Program
OLNEY, Texas — U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has selected the L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) and Air Tractor, Inc.’s AT-802U Sky Warden™ system for its Armed Overwatch program. The program will field up to 75 rugged multi-mission aircraft to fulfill SOCOM’s need for a deployable, affordable, and sustainable aircraft system for close air support, armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike coordination missions to counter violent extremist organizations.
“Air Tractor AT-802 multi-mission series aircraft exemplifies all we’ve learned in the past 50 years while producing over 4,000 versatile, and cost-efficient airplanes for agricultural aviation, firefighting, and specialized applications,” said Jim Hirsch, President, Air Tractor, Inc. “Working together and in close cooperation with L3Harris, we are ready to immediately deliver this world- class product in support of America’s national security.”
The Sky Warden team expects to provide prototype Armed Overwatch aircraft in approximately six months, with production of the Armed Overwatch mission-ready airplanes to begin in 2023. The Sky Warden platform is configurable for a wide range of mission requirements.
“An important part of our Trusted Disruptor strategy is listening closely to combatant commanders’ needs, and responding faster than the evolving threats,” said Christopher E.
Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “We want to deliver game-changing, modular solutions to U.S. special operators for their hardest missions, and Sky Warden does just that.”
“Sky Warden will bring powerful and affordable close air support, precision strike, armed ISR, and command and control capabilities directly to special operations forces in the battlefield,” said Sean Stackley, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “We are ready now to begin work on this modern, multi-mission system for the SOCOM Armed Overwatch program.”
Air Tractor’s Hirsch added, “Being selected for the Armed Overwatch program is yet another avenue by which Air Tractor continues to accomplish its mission: to provide airplanes, parts, and product support that help feed and protect the world. Air Tractor employee owners are enthusiastically up for the challenge and will provide the best possible product for USSOCOM.”
About Air Tractor, Inc.
Air Tractor manufactures a line of aircraft for agricultural, firefighting, and specialized applications. These airplanes are operating in more than 30 countries around the world and supported by an 24/7 global logistics and sustainment network. Find additional information about the AT802U Sky Warden at 802U.com.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com.