U-28A Aircraft - 318th Special Operations Squadron

A U-28A aircraft assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron (318 SOS) sits on the tarmac at Cannon Air Force Base, 2013.

The U-28A is a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft that has been adapted for use by Air Force Special Operations Command.

These modifications include the fitting of classified communication, navigation, threat detection / prevention systems and an electro-optical sensor package.

The aircraft are used for intra-theater support of special operations forces (SOF) i.e. providing transport and surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence support within an operational theater such as Afghanistan.

They are operated by the 34th SOS, 319th SOS and the 318th SOS, the latter of which specializes in the airborne surveillance role.