Pilatis PC-12 / U-28A

Photo showing a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft operated by the 318th Special Operations Squadron in flight.

The PC-12, official designated as the U-28A by Air Force Special Operations Command, is used as a covert intra-theater aircraft.

Typically painted in civilian colors, these aircraft insert, extract and resupply special operations forces within the theater of operations as well as carrying out surveillance and intelligence operations.

Powered by a single PWC PT6A-67B engine, the PC-12 typically has a crew of 2 but can be flown by a single pilot.

The aircraft is fitted with a weather radar and sophisticated navigation and communications gear.

The 318th Special Operations Squadron is based at Cannon AFB and is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing.