Stavatti Aerospace is preparing its formal proposal in response to the US Navy Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS), Solicitation Number N0001926R1014. The proposal will be submitted to the Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Program Executive Office, PMA-273, on or before the due date of 9 September 2026. This deadline reflects Amendment 0007, which extended the previous due date of 23 July 2026 (itself an extension from the original 29 June 2026 date).
Stavatti is one of three remaining contractors competing for the UJTS program. The company is offering the SM-31A Stiletto, a carrier-capable supersonic trainer variant of the SM-31T that has been specifically optimized for the Navy undergraduate jet training mission. The SM-31A will serve as a successor to the T-45 Goshawk, providing intermediate and advanced training for undergraduate United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) jet aviators and flight officers. Stavatti’s proposed solution includes delivery of the aircraft, a comprehensive Ground Based Training and Simulation (GBTS) system, and full-spectrum on-site logistical support at Government facilities
The SM-31A is a single-engine, two-seat tandem aircraft designed for the Navy UJTS role. Derived from the SM-31T, it features a reduced gross weight emphasizing a UJTS mission focus. The aircraft is powered by a single 10,000 lb SL static thrust class afterburning turbofan and incorporates a low-observable configuration, benefiting from planform alignment, a thrust-vectoring nozzle, and a V-tail. An Electric Jet, it uses a Power-By-Wire (PBW) flight control system and aluminum-lithium honeycomb sandwich construction. Configured strictly as a trainer, the SM-31A does not include an internal 20 mm cannon or a comprehensive EW/ECM self-protection and weapons suite as will be available in SM-31T, SM-31S and SM-31U models. A carrier capable aircraft, the SM-31A will feature an optional US Navy carrier suitable arresting hook, catapult suitable nose gear and Joint Precision Approach & Landing System (JPALS).
To address the potential replacement of up to 216 USN T-45A/C Goshawks, the SM-31A will be produced in the United States in full compliance with the Buy America Act (100% Made in the USA). Principal development and production work, including the first SM-31A prototype as well as initial Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft, may be conducted at Stavatti’s Niagara Falls facility at 9400 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. SM-31 full-rate production will be conducted at a To-Be-Announced Stavatti facility in the United States.