Orbital ATK AC-208 Eliminator

United States (2008)

Orbital ATK based its AC-208II Eliminator on the existing AC-208 attack platform line - itself based on the Cessna Caravan.

Detailing the development and operational history of the Orbital ATK AC-208 Eliminator Close-Air Support (CAS) / Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft. Entry last updated on 1/3/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

The Orbital ATK AC-208II "Eliminator" is another entry into the growing field of Close-Air Support (CAS), light attack platforms with a secondary over-battlefield role of Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR). Such aircraft are tempting purchases for budget-minded air services due to their relatively low up-front procurement cost and reduced long-term maintenance / cost commitments. The AC-208II is a modified offshoot of the Cessna Caravan (Model 208) by Cessna / Textron Aviation and stands as the Block II version of the turboprop-powered AC-208 "Armed Caravan" / "Combat Caravan" with broadened tactical value.

The original Armed Caravan form has been flying since 2008.

The aircraft takes on a relatively unique form with its high-mounted wing mainplanes offering excellent lift and short-field operation. The nose section houses the engine fit, a single Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) turboprop of 675 horsepower driving a three-bladed propeller unit, just ahead of the side-by-side seating cockpit. The tail unit is conventional with a single vertical plane and low-set horizontal surfaces. The undercarriage is of a tricycle arrangement.

This military-certified aircraft is equipped with a High-Definition (HD) MX-15HD series EO/IR sensor and is a complete self-contained search, tracking and engagement machine. It can operate in day or night environments within reach of friendly forces on-the-ground and keep a watchful eye on enemy movements and established positions. The aerial system comes complete with a missile warning and countermeasures suite for enhanced survivability over the battlefield. The AC-208II is outfitted to carry up to 4 x AGM-114 "Hellfire" air-to-surface missiles, a one-time tank-killing weapon seen on the Hughes "Apache" series of attack helicopters, under its wing mainplanes (two per wing on dual-rail fittings). Available weapons stations also support 2.75" (unguided) seven-shot rocket pods (one pod per wing). The aircraft is equipped with Orbital ATK's own advanced targeting and Fire Control System (FCS) and the cockpit features armor to protect the crew during low-level fly bys in contested airspace.

The nations of Iraq and Libya both operate the AC-208 series aircraft with Afghanistan set to take on its first (of seven) examples (by way of the United States Air Force) some time in 2018.

Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.

Image of collection of graph types

Relative Maximum Speed Rating

Hi: 300mph

Lo: 150mph

This entry's maximum listed speed (214mph).

Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.

Relative Operational Ranges

NYC

LON

PAR

BER

MOS

TOK

SYD

LAX

NYC

Graph showcases the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.

Aviation Era Impact

Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.

Unit Production Comparison

Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units

Military Market HI**: 36,183 units

* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.

** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.

Altitude Visualization

Compare this entry against other aircraft using our Comparison Tool

Supported Mission Types:

Air-to-Air

Interception

Unmanned

Ground Attack

Close-Air Support

Training

Anti-Submarine

Anti-Ship

Airborne Early Warning

MEDEVAC

Electronic Warfare

Maritime/Navy

Aerial Tanker

Utility/Transport

Passenger Industry

VIP Travel

Business Travel

Search/Rescue

Recon/Scouting

Special Forces

X-Plane/Development

National Origin: United States

Service Year: 2008

Classification Type: Close-Air Support (CAS) / Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft

Manufacturer(s): Orbital ATK - USA

Production Units: 50

Operational Status: Active, Limited Service

Global Operators:
Afghanistan; Iraq; Libya

Structural - Crew, Dimensions, and Weights:
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.

Operational
CREW

Personnel
2

Dimension
LENGTH

Feet
37.57 ft

Meters
11.45 m

Dimension
WIDTH

Feet
52.10 ft

Meters
15.88 m

Dimension
HEIGHT

Feet
14.93 ft

Meters
4.55 m

Weight
EMPTY

Pounds
4,729 lb

Kilograms
2,145 kg

Weight
LOADED

Pounds
8,818 lb

Kilograms
4,000 kg

Installed Power - Standard Day Performance:
1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) turboprop engine developing 675 horsepower and driving a three-bladed propeller at the nose.

Performance
SPEED

Miles-per-Hour
214 mph

Kilometers-per-Hour
345 kph

Knots
186 kts

Performance
RANGE

Miles
1,243 mi

Kilometers
2,000 km

Nautical Miles
1,080 nm

Performance
CEILING

Feet
24,606 ft

Meters
7,500 m

Miles
4.66 mi

Performance
CLIMB RATE

Feet-per-Minute
1,235 ft/min

Meters-per-Minute
376 m/min

Armament - Hardpoints (2):

VARIABLE:
4 x AGM-114 "Hellfire" air-to-surface missile (twin-rail launchers) OR 2 x 2.75" unguided rockets in seven-shot pods held underwing.

Visual Armory:

Graphical image of an aircraft air-to-surface missile

Graphical image of aircraft aerial rockets

Variants: Series Model Variants
• AC-208 "Armed Caravan" / "Combat Caravan" - Base Series Name.
• AC-208II "Eliminator" - Block II variant

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