By Michael “D’Arg” D’Argenio, Col, USAF (Ret) and Jerry “J.” Haynes, Col, USAF (Ret) Adapted from an original interview with the authors by Maj Rich Harr
Introduction By Donald Wurster, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret) AFSOC Commander #8, 2007 - 2011 The U-28 story is truly one of the great examples of urgent need, rapid response, creative production, and human exceptionalism. In early 2005, there was a compelling requirement for additional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to support special operations. Actions on the battlefield focused on man-hunting and the mantra of find, fix, and finish was central to removing high value targets through direct action operations. Successful tracking and targeting of these individuals became the mission of the U-28 crews. The program was managed by the Big Safari program office, part of Air Force Materiel Command, and the contract to modify, and deliver the aircraft was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corp. The aircraft selected was the Pilatus PC-12, a rugged single engine turboprop with a cabin size that was big enough to hold the equipment and the crewmembers to operate it in combat. Aircraft were initially procured on the open market and came in a variety of paint schemes and configurations. Some of the aircraft were painted dark grey like military aircraft, and pictures of those airplanes were used in all the briefings and public displays, allowing the rest of the fleet to “hide in plain sight.” www.aircommando.org
The mission equipment and cockpit configuration rapidly evolved through several iterations as crews and contractors adapted the systems to best accomplish the mission. Many of these improvements were developed and tested in-house by captains and majors empowered to act on intent. An organic research and development shop focused on desired effects and maximizing the aircraft’s time on station. Weight was a critical factor since each pound impacted the functional mission time. Because of the U-28’s low fuel consumption rate, each 300 pounds of weight we were able to cut increased the flight duration by an hour. In addition to finding the lightest weight equipment, the squadron also mandated a strict height and weight standard for the aircrews. By the fall of 2006, the U-28s were the primary ISR platform supporting the assault forces. Those who carried the ball in the early days earned the respect of the supported forces because they made a difference on the battlefield. When reading this article, frame the dialogue with the SOF Truths and focus on how these Air Commandos achieved success by empowering their Airmen. “Any place, any time, any where.” Vol 8, Issue 1 │ AIR COMMANDO JOURNAL │ 19
