Update on the Scorpion jet from Textron-AirLand already presented in Militär Aktuell: The prototype remained in Europe for a month, starting in Paris, and was tested during this time by Romania, Bulgaria, as well as the British Royal Air Force and Navy.
CEO Bill Anderson told us on the sidelines of the Air Tattoo in Fairford that the lightweight subsonic “air policeman” had also been presented in Colombia in the spring. By July, 450 hours had been flown. As there was only one hour of unplanned technical failure, the operating costs could be reduced to around 900 euros/hour. The jet is now equipped with the Thales I-Master radar in the belly bay and a 15-inch HD display with keyboard. Weapons integration is now beginning in the USA and the first aircraft certified for series production is due to fly in the first quarter of 2016. According to Anderson, the Austrian Air Chief Brigadier Karl Gruber is also interested in the Scorpion.
