WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Textron AirLand, LLC, a joint venture between Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)
and AirLand Enterprises, LLC, today announced that the Scorpion
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)/Strike aircraft
completed its first flight at 10:30 AM Central Time.
Scorpion jet on runway at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas (Photo: Business Wire)
The aircraft took off from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas
and conducted a range of handling maneuvers for approximately 1.4 hours
of flight. Today’s flight marks one of the fastest developments of a
U.S.-built tactical jet, progressing from initial design to first flight
in less than 24 months.
"Today's first flight is a major milestone for the Scorpion as the
program transitions into the flight test phase," commented Textron CEO
Scott Donnelly
. “When the design phase began less than two years ago, we
were confident that we would deliver a uniquely affordable, versatile
tactical aircraft by taking advantage of commercial aviation
technologies and best practices. Today’s flight met all expectations,
and keeps us on track towards certification and production,” he added.
Scorpion’s first flight was crewed by pilot
Dan Hinson
, an engineering
test pilot with over 5,000 flight hours in 79 different types of
aircraft, and co-pilot
David Sitz
. “The flight was completed according
to plan,” said Hinson. “Having flown many tactical aircraft throughout
my 23-year career with the US Navy and with other aircraft
manufacturers, I can say that the Scorpion compares very favorably to
more costly aircraft currently used for low-threat missions. It showed
impressive stability and responsiveness closely matching all of the
predicted parameters for today’s maneuvers – it’s going to be a highly
capable aircraft for the ISR and homeland security mission set.”
The Scorpion was announced in September 2013 as a demonstration aircraft
designed to accommodate the budget constraints and shifting mission
requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. partner nations.
Powered by twin turbofan engines generating 8,000 lbs. of thrust, the
Scorpion transitions easily between low speed and high-subsonic speed,
as needed for diverse missions such as irregular warfare, border patrol,
maritime surveillance, emergency relief, counter-narcotics and air
defense operations.
The Scorpion has a cruising speed of up to 450 ktas (517 mph), with a
ferry range of 2,400 nautical miles. The aircraft carries an internal
payload of up to 3,000 lbs., as well as wing-mounted precision munitions.
For a closer look at the Scorpion and its mission capabilities, please
visit www.ScorpionJet.com.
Downloadable images of the aircraft are available in the Scorpion
Media Gallery. The first flight video
will be available on the site starting December 13.
About Textron
Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of
aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide
customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known
around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna
Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee and
Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
About Textron AirLand, LLC
Textron AirLand, LLC is a joint venture between Textron Inc. and AirLand
Enterprises, LLC with the purpose of designing and manufacturing an
affordable, capable jet platform based on commercially available
technologies and processes for the tactical military jet aviation
market. More information about our initial aircraft is available at www.ScorpionJet.com.
About AirLand Enterprises, LLC
AirLand Enterprises, LLC was formed by a group of experienced aerospace
and defense executives dedicated to bringing an effective, low-cost,
ISR/Strike jet to domestic and international military markets, replacing
aging aircraft and complimenting high-end multi-role fighters.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking
statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals,
outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as
of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors
that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but
not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to
develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the
launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new
product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our
ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new
products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our
customers; changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government
defense budget, including those related to military operations in
foreign countries; changes in foreign military funding priorities or
budget constraints and determinations, or changes in government
regulations or policies on the export and import of military and
commercial products; and volatility in the global economy or
changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand
for our products; performance issues with key suppliers or
subcontractors.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131212006055/en/
Source: Textron