Textron AirLand’s Scorpion aircraft continues testing
The Scorpion Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)/Strike aircraft being developed by Textron AirLand has completed additional flight testing throughout January and February with positive results according to the company. The aircraft is being developed with the aim of providing a dual role capability at a lower cost than conventional strike ISR platforms.
The aircraft flew for the first time in December 2013. Several hundred hours of additional flight tests are planned to take place in 2014, with each flight targeting specific objectives pushing the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, and performance envelope. The majority of the test flights will be conducted at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.
Dan Hinson, chief test pilot for the Scorpion team, said: ‘Overall, we’ve had very positive results through the initial test flights. In these early flights, we have evaluated the aircraft performance and tested a wide range of mechanical and electronic systems. The Scorpion is a very agile platform and I’m confident in the airframe as we continue through the test and evaluation phase.’
Textron AirLand said it is pursuing sales opportunities with US military branches as well as a number of US partner nations. The company is seeking market license and export approvals for additional opportunities, driven by early interest from specific US partner nations.
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