Aviation Technology Office
Military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The United States Army Aviation Technology Office (ATO), known as Flight Concepts Division (FCD) before 2017,[1] is a component of the United States Army that provides discreet, sometimes clandestine helicopter aviation support primarily to Joint Special Operations Command.[2] Originally known as SEASPRAY, it was a joint U.S. Army special operations and CIA clandestine aviation unit[3][4][5][6] established in 1981, and later integrated as the covered air component (E Squadron) of Delta Force.[7]
Aviation Technology Office | |
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Active | Mar. 2, 1981 (as SEASPRAY) – present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Army |
Type | Aviation |
Role | Clandestine special operations |
Part of | U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate |
Garrison/HQ | Felker Army Airfield, Fort Eustis, Virginia, United States |
Aircraft flown | |
Helicopter | Mil Mi-17, Bell 407 |
The unit provides highly specialized flights for special operations forces during covert and clandestine missions, and also has a bleeding-edge development role, leading research in emerging technologies for Army aviation.[1] Officially part of the U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate, the unit is located at Felker Army Airfield along the James River on Fort Eustis,[8] and has been described as "the best of the very best"[9] and "one of the most secretive U.S. military aviation units known to be in existence today."[10]
External images | |
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Modified Bell 407s attributed to ATO depart in formation Note the military communications arrays equipped on each. |