Future Light Attack – Textron Scorpion

Very interesting announcement today, the Textron (Cessna) Scorpion light attack aircraft: http://www.scorpionjet.com

Aviation Week: Textron Unveils Scorpion Light Attack, Recce Jet
The Scorpion demonstrator is intended to whet the U.S. Air Force’s appetite with the promise of a low procurement and operating cost. The pitch is for this aircraft, which is optimized for 5-hr. endurance with onboard intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) collectors and weapons, to handle the Air Force’s low-end missions such as U.S.-based interdiction, quick-reaction natural disaster support and air sovereignty patrols.
http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_09_16_2013_p22-615375.xml

2 seat, twin engine light attack jet
Max speed: 450 knots
Endurance: 5 hours @ 150nm
Payload: 9,000 lb (6,000lb internal fuel, 3,000lb internal payload bay, 6 hardpoints)
All-composite, 20,000-hour life airframe
Two 4,000lb thrust TFE731 turbofans
Weight, empty & MTOW: 11,800 – 21,250 lb (5,350 – 9,650 kg)