Textron AirLand has announced that the Scorpion jet has successfully completed its first weapons exercise at White Sands Missile Range, while operating from Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB) in New Mexico. The company says the exercise effectively demonstrated the Scorpion's close air support mission capability through the successful deployment of three widely used weapon systems – Hydra-70 unguided 2.75-inch rockets, BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and AGM-114F Hellfire Missiles.
The weapons testing programme took place on 10th-14th October in coordination with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) organization and the 586th Flight Test Squadron from HAFB.
The weapons were guided to their targets using first a ground-based laser designator system and then an airborne laser on the Scorpion's L-3 WESCAM's MX-15Di sensor suite.
The first Scorpion prototype is continuing its flight test programme, while the first flight of the first production-conforming Scorpion is expected soon.
The Scorpion is being proposed as a highly affordable and exportable twin-engine ISR/Strike/Trainer jet for the tactical military aviation market. A versatile jet platform based on commercial best practices and proven high technologies, Scorpion is designed as a multi-mission aircraft for diverse battlefield, security and training missions.
The twin-engine platform, which made its first flight in December 2013, has attracted interest from potential customers but is still looking to secure a launch order.