Skyraider II Aircraft Production Accelerates as L3Harris Launches New Facility in Waco

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L3Harris Technologies has officially inaugurated its new Centre of Excellence in Waco, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its aerospace manufacturing capabilities. This facility is dedicated to the production of the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft, a tactical platform designed to meet the evolving needs of the United States Air Force and its allied partners. The establishment of this center underscores L3Harris’s commitment to delivering advanced, mission-ready aircraft with speed and precision.

OA-1K Skyraider II. Photo: L3Harris

Strategically positioned in Waco, the Centre of Excellence is set to become the primary hub for Skyraider II production, serving both domestic and international defense customers. The location was selected for its logistical advantages and proximity to skilled labor, allowing for streamlined operations and rapid scalability. By centralizing production, L3Harris aims to enhance coordination across its supply chain and reduce lead times for aircraft delivery.

Equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, the facility is designed to maximize efficiency and adaptability in aircraft assembly. Advanced automation systems and digital engineering tools enable precise fabrication and integration of complex components. These innovations not only improve production speed but also ensure consistent quality across each unit delivered.

Beyond manufacturing, the Waco facility supports a full spectrum of aircraft development activities, including rigorous testing and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification processes. This integrated approach allows L3Harris to accelerate the refinement and deployment of the Skyraider II platform. The company’s ability to conduct end-to-end operations within a single site is a key differentiator in the competitive defense aerospace sector.

Production of the OA-1K Skyraider II has already commenced, with the first units scheduled for delivery in the upcoming fall season. L3Harris plans to maintain a steady monthly delivery cadence to meet the operational demands of the U.S. Air Force and allied forces. This consistent output reflects the company’s readiness to support global defense missions with reliable and timely aircraft solutions.

The Skyraider II itself is engineered for versatility and survivability in contested environments, offering advanced avionics, weapons integration, and multi-mission capabilities. Its design emphasizes ease of maintenance and rapid upgrade potential, making it a valuable asset for modern air combat scenarios. With growing interest from international partners, the aircraft is poised to play a pivotal role in coalition operations worldwide.

L3Harris’s investment in the Centre of Excellence also signals a broader commitment to innovation and workforce development within the aerospace industry. The company is actively engaging with local institutions to cultivate talent and foster technical expertise in aviation manufacturing. This initiative not only strengthens the regional economy but also ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for future growth.

As geopolitical tensions and defense requirements evolve, the ability to rapidly produce and deploy advanced aircraft becomes increasingly critical. The Waco facility positions L3Harris at the forefront of this strategic imperative, offering scalable solutions that align with national security priorities. Through this expansion, the company reinforces its role as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

In the coming years, the Centre of Excellence is expected to expand its capabilities further, potentially supporting additional aircraft platforms and modernization programs. L3Harris remains committed to continuous improvement and responsiveness to customer needs, ensuring that its products remain relevant and effective in dynamic operational environments. The launch of this facility marks not just a production milestone, but a bold step forward in shaping the future of tactical aviation.

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