Textron debuted its production-standard Scorpion light strike and ISR aircraft at the recent Dubai Airshow to show off its advantages to governments in the region. The composite-airframe twin-engine jet is conceived to be more cost-effective to operate in its specific role than higher-tier combat aircraft that aren’t expressly built for that purpose. For example, its Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines are typically used on corporate jets.
Acquisition cost is approximately $20 million dollars, and direct operating costs amount to only some $3000 per hour. Brett Pierson, a test pilot for Textron, explained the aircraft’s value proposition.
Videos and stories contained in this site may contain information that while accurate at the time of publication, has since been updated. Please connect with a representative for any questions.