Honeywell Will Power Production Scorpions

The latest derivative of the venerable Honeywell TFE731 will power the production version of the Textron Scorpion light strike/surveillance and reconnaissance twinjet, unveiled last September, the joint venture between Textron and AirLand Enterprises announced last month. The engine had previously been selected to power the aircraft through its development phase, and a pair of them propelled the Scorpion aloft for its maiden flight last December 12. Combined, the two engines provide approximately 8,000 pounds of thrust, giving the aircraft a maximum speed of 450 knots.

“Selection of Honeywell’s TFE731-40AR-3S for the Scorpion continues the strong partnership we’ve had with Textron for over two decades,” said Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace’s president of defense and space. “Honeywell’s ability to provide a proven, reliable and high-performance engine for this platform helped Textron AirLand bring this innovative aircraft to market in a shorter time frame and cost-effective manner.”

Launched in 2012, the all-composite tandem-cockpit Scorpion was privately developed and is being promoted as an “affordable” tactical aircraft capable of performing “lower threat” and homeland security and Air National Guard missions such as border patrol, maritime surveillance, emergency relief and counter-narcotics operations.

According to Honeywell, the inspection intervals, parts count and thrust specific fuel consumption of the engine will provide high reliability and reduced operating expenses. Specifications for the aircraft include an mtow of 21,250 pounds with an internal payload of 3,000 pounds, a service ceiling of 45,000 feet and a ferry range of 2,400 nm.