WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Textron AirLand's Scorpion intelligence and strike aircraft has completed additional test flights as its development for U.S. and allied military use continues.
Most recent flight testing was conducted last week, the company said, and several hundred hours of additional flight tests are slated for this year in areas such as airspeed, altitude, and performance envelope.
"Overall, we've had very positive results through the initial test flights," said Dan Hinson, chief test pilot for the Scorpion team and 23-year veteran Navy pilot. "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."
The Scorpion is a light attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft by Textron AirLand LLC, a joint venture between Textron and AirLand Enterprises LLC. It will have a maximum speed of about 518 miles per hour and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.
Textron AirLand is pursuing sales opportunities with US military service and a number of U.S. partner nations.
