Engines
Honeywell Will Power Production Scorpions
Engine maker expands its affiliation with Textron-AirLand’s all-composite Surveillance/Light Attack Jet

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.