Textron AirLand’s prototype Scorpion light attack aircraft has completed its first transatlantic crossing, ahead of participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
Now sporting a new, two-tone grey colour scheme, the twin-engined aircraft was flown from Wichita in Kansas, with stops made in locations including Mirabel and Iqaluit, both in Canada, and Edinburgh, Scotland. It was accompanied on its journey by a Cessna Sovereign+ business jet.
Textron AirLand
Following its arrival, the prototype has been involved in flight testing conducted from the Ministry of Defence/Qinetiq airfield at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. It is due to be on static display at RIAT on 12 and 13 July, before being flown on to Farnborough.
The Honeywell TFE731-powered Scorpion was flown for the first time in December 2013, at the start of an expected 12-month flight test programme. Prior to the aircraft’s departure for the UK, Textron AirLand said the aircraft has been flown to its maximum speed of 455kt (840km/h) in the USA.
Source: Flight International
