Textron, the parent company of Cessna, is moving fast on the development of its sexy straight-wing military twinjet, the Scorpion, which surprised the world with its emergence earlier this year. As evidenced by the following video, Scorpion test pilots have completed the first taxi tests and are getting close to taking the airplane to the skies. The last high speed taxi tests were completed today at the McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, according to Dale Tutt, chief engineer of the Scorpion program.
Video: Scorpion Jet Gets Ready for First Flight
Key Takeaways:
- Textron, in a joint venture with AirLand Enterprises, is rapidly developing its new Scorpion straight-wing military twinjet, having successfully completed taxi tests and nearing its first flight.
- The Scorpion is designed as an affordable, versatile tactical aircraft for missions such as border security, counter-narcotics, and humanitarian relief.
- Key capabilities include a useful load over 9,500 pounds, a range of approximately 2,400 nautical miles, a top speed of 450 knots, and a projected 20,000-hour service life for its all-composite airframe.
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