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Modified Wily Coyote entices non-US users

29th October 2021 - 10:30 GMT | by Grzegorz Sobczak

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The PZL-made M28 Special Operations Multi-Role Aircraft (SOMA) is a version of the US-specific MC-145B special mission support aircraft. (Photo: Grzegorz Sobczak)

A new variant of the MC-145B Wily Coyote light attack aircraft lacks certain US SOF-specific equipment but retains its weaponry.

Lockheed Martin-owned PZL Mielec and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) displayed the M28 Special Operations Multi-Role Aircraft (SOMA) on 26 October in Poland, to coincide with the start of the GSOF Symposium Europe in Warsaw.

SOMA is a version of the MC-145B Wily Coyote light attack aircraft — itself derived from the C-145A Combat Coyote operated by USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and one of five candidate solutions being evaluated by AFSOC in the Armed Overwatch programme.

The Polish-made variant is geared for sales to non-US SOF. SOMA therefore lacks some of the US SOF-specific sensors aboard the other versions.

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Grzegorz Sobczak

Grzegorz Sobczak is based in Warsaw, Poland.

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