Close-Air Support (CAS) / Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft
Orbital ATK based its AC-208II Eliminator on the existing AC-208 attack platform line - itself based on the Cessna Caravan.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited:
8/22/2019
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from the United States Department of Defense DVIDS imagery database.
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Credit: Image from official Orbital ATK marketing material.
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Credit: Image from official Orbital ATK marketing material.
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.
Program Updates
2018 - Northrop Grumman purchased Orbital ATK. As such, the AC-208 is now marketed as part of the Northrop Grumman parent name.
Specifications
Year: 2008
Status Active, Limited Service
Crew 2
[ 50 Units ] : Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman) - USA
Afghanistan; Iraq; Libya
- Close-Air Support (CAS)
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
Length:
37.57 ft (11.45 m)
Width/Span:
52.10 ft (15.88 m)
Height:
14.93 ft (4.55 m)
(Showcased structural dimension values pertain to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator production model)
Empty Weight:
4,729 lb (2,145 kg)
MTOW:
8,818 lb (4,000 kg)
(Diff: +4,090lb)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator production model)
1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) turboprop engine developing 675 horsepower and driving a three-bladed propeller at the nose.
(Showcased powerplant information pertains to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator production model)
Maximum Speed:
214 mph (345 kph; 186 kts)
Service Ceiling:
24,606 feet (7,500 m; 4.66 miles)
Maximum Range:
1,243 miles (2,000 km; 1,080 nm)
Rate-of-Climb:
1,235 ft/min (376 m/min)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
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.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the Orbital ATK AC-208II Eliminator production model)
AC-208 "Armed Caravan" / "Combat Caravan" - Base Series Name.
AC-208II "Eliminator" - Block II variant
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Afghanistan; Iraq; Libya
