Textron bows out of T-X-interested in OA-X

Textron has decided to forgo the T-X program. They have said that it is a program designed around a specific set of requirements that are different than what Scorpion was designed for. They are interested in the upcoming OA-X program though.

The OA-X invitations are being sent out this week, with the program happening at Holloman AFB this summer. It's designed to be built around off the shelf technologies and aircraft. The Scorpion may prove to be a good fit for that program.

www.kansas.com...

Makes sense..Its strange how they knew the requirements beforehand for the TX.Or did they change TX requirements?

a reply to: Blackfinger

They sent out a baseline during the RFI portion, that had the minimum they would accept from any aircraft entered.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Are the USAF brass as enamored with the Scorpion as everyone else is? It seems like it was designed from the start to be a tough, versatile, and cheap COIN/CAS truck that still has the ability to make the fighter mafia get that funny feeling in their pants when they look at it (which the A-37, OV-10, and A-10 were never able to do).

Though I wonder how the USAF guys are going to feel about training the next generation of Air Force fighter jocks in what basically amounts to a "My First F/A-18".

a reply to: Barnalby

They've been doing a certification of it and are getting ready to start flying it. We'll find out soon how they like it. They've completed the initial review of the Textron data and certification.

www.defenseforces.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

And so it begins...

a reply to: Barnalby

It'll definitely be an interesting summer. Might have to arrange a load to route through WSMR and eat some miles.

media live event

Well this is an interesting twist.

www.defensenews.com...

Hey can someone give me a key to that toyshop if they have airframe projects spare to go around ?

Textron announced they will offer both the Scorpion and AT-6 for the OA-X demonstration.

www.flightglobal.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

Yeah I saw this earlier. Seems Textron is really angling for the (eventual) contract. Personally I would love to see the Scorpion with the high speed wing concept. That would be very interesting as a platform.

Scorpion, AT-6, and A-29 are all going to be involved in the OA-X program this summer.

Textron is testing a 20mm cannon, as well as a .50 cal HMP 400 pod at Pax River, ahead of the OA-X test this summer. They're expanding the flight envelope, and improving the stores computer. They also plan on demonstrating 25 lb BDU-33, and 500 lb MK-82 bombs. They've previously tested the GBU-12 Paveway II, and APKWS.

www.flightglobal.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

SASC authorized $1.2 billion for the OA-X. We'll see if it makes it to the Prez's signature or not...

alert5.com...

a reply to: thebozeian

I think if we were ever going to see that it would have been in the T-X program. This platform would favor the design we're all familiar with.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Both of these have chubby induction.



My fav, the ARES.
Your mileage may differ.

The more I look at these aircraft I like the AT-6B Wolverine the most. It's commonality with the AF, Army and Navy programs already out there will mean it will be easier to get technicians and staff trained for the units. A built in ISR pod and holding more fuel are the winners for me though. These aircraft might need to hang out for a while to cover extractions or watch the bad guys.

a reply to: Caughtlurking

The AT-802U FTW.