War in pieces: Air Force wants special ops plane that can be built on the fly

The Air Force Special Operations Command is testing the ability to disassemble and reassemble the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft for rapid deployment via cargo jets, positioning it as a cost-effective multi-role platform for special operations. The program aims to consolidate multiple aircraft types into a single modular airframe, though Pentagon funding has cut the planned fleet from 75 to 53 aircraft as military priorities shift toward potential high-end conflicts.