Air Force Special Operations Command solicited information from industry to modify and lease two Cessna 208EX Caravan aircraft for training international partner aircrew, according to a notice issued July 14. AFSOC is moving to contractor-supplied aircraft for the Aviation Foreign Internal Defense training mission in order to more closely match the individual needs of specific partner air forces. AFSOC’s 6th Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field, Fla., is retiring the bulk of its current C-145 Skytruck AvFID fleet, retaining only a few aircraft to maintain air advisor’s flight currency. The request for information stipulated that potential airframes must be able to be equipped with night-vision compatible cockpits, air-drop capability, and electro-optical ISR sensors. The RFI would be for a one-year probationary contract with the potential for a four-year extension, with responses due by July 28. The Afghan Air Force currently operates the Cessna 208, supported by Air Force air advisors in theater.
On Oct. 27, the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute will host an installment of its “Aerospace Nation” series featuring Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach. The think tank will post event video on its website and YouTube page after the live event.