VIDEO: Scorpion light strike aircraft completes pre-flight taxi trial

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Textron has released video footage showing taxi testing with its Scorpion demonstrator, just days before the type's expected first flight. Performed in Wichita, Kansas on 25 November, the event involved the twin turbofan-powered tactical strike concept, which has been in development since early 2012 by the Textron AirLand venture, also involving AirLand Enterprises.

Flight Global


Data from manufacturer

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
• Wingspan: 47 ft 4 in (14.43 m)
• Height: 14 ft (4.3 m)
• Empty weight: 11,800 lb (5,352 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 21,250 lb (9,639 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 6,000 lb
• Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell TF731 Turbofan, 4,000 lbf (18 kN) thrust each
• Performance
• Maximum speed: 450 kn (518 mph; 833 km/h)
• Ferry range: 2,400 nmi (2,800 mi; 4,400 km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (14,000 m)