Program Executive Office for Fixed Wing (PEO-FW) delivers Special Operations (SO)-peculiar manned and unmanned fixedwing airpower capabilities to effectively enable Special Operations Forces (SOF). PEO-FW partners with the Warfighter and various development and support organizations to synchronize acquisition activities to field an array of advanced technology sensors, defensive countermeasures, advanced avionics, and mission-training systems. This partnership ensures SOF fixedwing aircraft can accomplish its missions in expected threat environments and address supportability challenges of an aging legacy fleet. USSOCOM’s manned and unmanned fixed-wing aircraft provide the backbone for SOF airborne mobility; aerial refueling support; airborne precision engagement; and aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

They provide critical infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply capabilities for SOF in and out of hostile territory through weapon systems such as the MC-130H Combat Talon II, the MC-130J Commando II, and CV-22 Osprey aircraft. The AC-130J Ghostrider, AC-130W Stinger, and the AC-130U Spooky provide critical precision engagement and close-air support using both service-common weapons and SO-peculiar Stand-off Precision Guided Munitions to engage a variety of high-value targets. Various manned and unmanned systems deliver real-time worldwide aerial ISR of the battlefield for the individual Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Task Force Commander through systems such as the U-28A aircraft, JAVAMAN, MC-12 Liberty, Mid-Endurance UAS, and MQ-9. The low-density, high-demand nature of the SOF fixed-wing fleet is a key driver in the acquisition approaches used to continue to improve and sustain the force. The high operational tempo of these aircraft requires innovative means to incorporate capability and sustainment improvements while ensuring adequate aircraft availability.