Scorpion multirole jet has got a new two-tone grey color scheme.
Cessna parent company Textron has released the first image of its Scorpion combat aircraft in a new two-tone grey color scheme that has eventually replaced the initial overall white livery.
The new “camouflage” gives the multi-role, low cost twin-engine jet a more aggressive appearance.
The Scorpion is an ISR (intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) platform/light tactical strike aircraft for “irregular warfare,” border and maritime patrol, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, counter-narcotics and air defense operations.
In the wake of Switzerland’s recent rejection of the Saab Gripen E, the aircraft was pitched as a low-cost alternative to the SAAB combat plane as a replacement for the Swiss Air Force’s ageing F-5 Tiger fighters. Even though the new aircraft is much cheaper than the Gripen and could meet 90% of the tasks (according to Textron), the Scorpion is not equipped with air-to-air radar or missiles making it hard to believe, based on the current specifications, it could be used to fit the Swiss requirements.
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Nevertheless, one of the most interesting videos of the aircraft shows the Scorpion intercept a Cessna 182 in a typical SMI (Slow Mover Interception) scenario.
Image credit: Textron (H/T to Isaac Alexander for the heads-up)
