Why the Cessna AC-208 Combat Caravan Does So Well in Modern Armed Reconnaissance

The long-running wars and conflicts of Operational Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom were the breeding ground and testing grounds for all kinds of new military gear. When the war began, convoys rolled through in archaic 5-ton trucks from the 1970s and 1980s, most of which were open-air vehicles. By the end of the war, due to so many IEDs, use of these trucks for personnel transport was largely done away with in favor of the much safer Mine Resistant Ambush Protected trucks which could channel the blast away from crews inside. 

This was just one of many advancements made in the era. But on the other side of the spectrum we saw aircraft designed for totally benign civilian missions now pulling duty in AORs. A couple of the primary examples are the Air Tractor AT-802 and the Cessna AC-208 Combat Caravan.

We’re going to take a look at why the Cessna Caravan made the cut as an armed surveillance platform, why it performed so well in that role, and what it has in store down the road. 

Introduction to the AC-208

So, what exactly is a Cessna AC-208? 

It all starts with the Cessna Caravan, perhaps the most tried and true light freight and passenger hauling airplane of all time. The Caravan first flew in late 1981, and was certified in 1984. The Caravan is unpressurized and sports a fixed landing gear making it not only incredibly durable, but also very simple. It is one of few light passenger and cargo aircraft that can be safely flown by a single pilot, which has definitely added to its long-running appeal. 

They have also proven a very valuable aircraft in bush flying or around water with great STOL performance, and also amphibious floats that were approved back in 1985. 

Its forgiving flight characteristics and high payload made it an attractive aircraft for certain missions as OEF and OIF unfolded and evolved.  

History and Development of the AC-208

It was actually after coalition forces had formally left Iraq that the Iraqi military acquired the AC-208 through Foreign Military Sales to combat the existential threat that the Islamic State posed in the region. 

This was an intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) platform aircraft, but it was also additionally fitted with hardpoints on each wing. The offensive weaponry of the AC-208 is a standard payload of four Hellfire missiles, which have served with great distinction for many years. However, since hardpoints are universal, the AC-208 can conceivably carry all kinds of different weapons and munitions should the need arise. 

Evolution to an Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft 

So, how did the simple and economical Caravan go from hauling cargo and passengers on short hauls to striking ISIS positions with Hellfire missiles?

Well, the Caravan has actually been used in military capacity for quite a while, although not necessarily in the armed role. 

The C-16 was the designation given to the Caravan by the U.S. military back in the 1980s when they needed a rugged, tough, and durable light cargo aircraft for operation in Central and South America. It was not used in any widespread capacity, but it's useful as a military aircraft was apparent back then.

The Iraqi Air Force was operating on a limited budget in terms of money and resources, but ISIS threats in the region could not wait. They needed an aircraft which could observe and relay information with a good loiter time, but also strike enemy combatants if need be when other designated attack aircraft weren’t on location. 

The Caravan was a perfect marriage of simplicity, durability, and range. Since it is designed for up to 9 passengers, it is a great platform for ISTAR operators to loiter in, plus the added benefit of a missile strike package.  

Key Features of the AC-208

Alright, now let’s talk about key features of the Cessna AC-208. These are going to be approximately the same as Cessna 208 specs, although we are not privy to all of technical information on the aircraft since it is an ISTAR combat-coded aircraft used in tactical situations. 

Airframe and Engine Performance

The AC-208 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-114A engine, one of many iterations of the best selling turboprop engine of all time. This particular variant produces 675 shaft horsepower (SHP), and is a free-turbine engine. 

The performance of the AC-208 is not particularly impressive, but that isn’t what they made it for. It was meant to be an exceedingly simple and reliable aircraft that can operate reliably anywhere on the planet, including the harsh, hot, and arid deserts of Iraq. With a Vne of 186 knots, it is not all that fast, but it can stay on location for a while with a maximum range of a little over 1,000 miles. Since the Caravan can fly out of austere airstrips, it can stay very close to the action and loiter for a long time.  

The Role of the AC-208 in Modern Military Operations

The AC-208 is an excellent platform for nation states that need something durable, tough, and especially with a great track record and a healthy supply chain. The Cessna C-208 Caravan fits the bill very well. 

The primary mission for the AC-208 was not strike; it is a surveillance aircraft which is especially well suited for persistent surveillance. Since it is relatively slow, it can orbit for a long period of time, watching for targets. The AC-208 is equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors that can detect and track targets at a long distance. It is also equipped with laser designators to guide laser-guided munitions from other platforms.

Finally, if it was on location and had a clear shot on targets, the AC-208 can engage with Hellfire missiles which have proven very effective against vehicles and armor for decades now.  

Future Prospects for the AC-208

Having tested its mettle and proven reliable and effective in the fight against ISIS forces, the AC-208 is not going anywhere. If anything, it is being sought out by more nations for the same reasons Iraq used it so effectively. 

Potential Upgrades and Enhancements

The most likely upgrades and enhancements will be in the surveillance suite. Future upgrades might include integrating more advanced (EO/IR) sensors with higher resolution and better performance in bad weather. This was one area where improvement was needed; dust and sandstorms are frequent in the desert and the sensor package needs to be able to see through them. 

Expanding Roles in Global Armed Forces

Besides continued use in Iraq, other potential suitors of the AC-208 are African countries Mali, Niger, and Mauritania. The Afghanistan Air Force used AC-208s, and at least one made it out of the country before it fell in 2021. 

Final Thoughts

As part of the foreign military sales process, AC-208s will probably be a hot commodity in global arms sales for quite some time. They proved their weight in gold fighting in one of the most austere climates in the world, and were the nemesis of ISIS. 

Greenwood Aerospace is your trusted source in the FMS process, establishing everything from maintenance and service contracts, to parts procurement, logistics, and much more. You can get started by giving us a call at (580) 762-2580, or you can email us at contact@governmentprocurement.com.