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 Textron, the parent company of Cessna, a renowned name in civil aviation, recently introduced an intriguing concept called the Scorpion.

This two-seat, twin-turbofan aircraft is designed for versatility, serving as a light strike aircraft, an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platform, or a trainer. Its wing pylons can accommodate external fuel tanks, weapons, or sensors. Thanks to its modular design, the Scorpion offers easy customization to meet the specific needs of its potential customers.

The Scorpion's "stingers" may not be about high-speed combat, but they serve a distinct purpose. While its sleek design and tail may evoke memories of the F-14 Tomcat, the Scorpion is far from a dogfighter. It lacks supersonic capability, and its long, straight wings are optimized for extended loiter time rather than high-speed performance. However, its true appeal lies in its affordability, with an operational cost of just $3,000 per flight hour. In an era of tightened military budgets and the soaring costs of stealth fighters, the Scorpion’s potential as a cost-effective light attack and ISR platform is hard to overlook.

The concept of a small, lightweight attack aircraft is far from new. In the 1950s, the U.S. Navy sought a compact replacement for the propeller-driven A-1 Skyraider. The Douglas Aircraft Company (which later merged into McDonnell Douglas and eventually became part of Boeing) responded with the A-4 Skyhawk—a diminutive yet capable jet. The Skyhawk’s design was so compact that it didn’t require folding wings for storage on aircraft carriers.

The A-4’s ability to operate from smaller, WWII-era carriers made it a favorite of the U.S. Marine Corps and other nations in need of a versatile attack aircraft. Widely used during the Vietnam War, the Skyhawk earned the nickname “Scooter” and was celebrated for its agility, durability, and ease of maintenance. Its affordability and practicality further cemented its reputation. Approximately 3,000 units were built, and many remain in service nearly 50 years after its introduction.

Despite its success, the A-4 never received a true successor. It was eventually replaced in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service by the far more expensive F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8 Harrier. The Skyhawk may well have been the last of a unique breed of small, cost-effective jets to fly in Western air forces.

Boeing Skyfox prototype.

There have been other attempts, however.  In the 80s, Boeing attempted a small, lightweight attack/trainer aircraft based heavily off of the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.  Replacing the T-33's single turbojet with two more efficient turbofans, the Skyfox was faster and could fly much further.

Despite its low cost, and the possibility of upgrading existing T-33 airframes (which numbered in the thousands), there was little interest in the Boeing Skyfox.