Stavatti Receives Purchase Order for 60 SM-31 Stiletto Fighter/Trainers
On 24 April 2023 Stavatti received a Purchase Order from an Allied Air Force for their acquisition of 60 single engine 5th generation SM-31 Stiletto Supersonic Trainers and Advanced Light Fighters. The order specified 30 two seat SM-31T supersonic trainer/fighters and 30 single seat SM-31S advanced lightweight fighters. The aircraft are intended to serve as a low observable replacement for existing advanced jet trainer and supersonic fighter aircraft. The purchase order specifies an interest in the acquisition of the SM-31 aircraft as well as Stavatti’s provision of spare parts, ground support equipment, ground based training systems, initial stores and ordnance, maintenance and logistical support for the type as well as simulators.
The SM-31 Stiletto is Stavatti’s next generation Supersonic Trainer and Advanced Light Fighter. Addressing an immediate need for a supersonic training aircraft by allied air forces worldwide, the Stiletto will be produced in both a two seat tandem advanced trainer configuration (SM-31T) and a single seat light fighter configuration (SM-31S). A high performance, low observable design with forgiving flight characteristics, the SM-31 draws from a global need to replace T-38 Talon and F-5 Freedom Fighter aircraft with a sophisticated, more efficient and more effective successor. Offering greater safety, reliability and capability than its predecessors, the SM-31 is a new, digitally designed aircraft protected under USPTO patent number US D887,949 S. Featuring distinct low-observable styling, planform alignment, a 2-D thrust vectoring nozzle and a V-tail, the SM-31 is a highly advanced fifth generation supersonic fighter and trainer.
Powered by a single Honeywell F125-GA-100, F125X or F125XX afterburning turbofan, the SM-31 is equipped with F-16 style flight grips, reclined Martin Baker Mk16E or MK18 ejection seats, a glass cockpit with Large Area Active Displays, a HUD or Canopy Embedded Display, HOTAS and integrated avionics. Benefiting from Electromechanical and Electrohydraulic actuators for primary control functions, the Stiletto will be an all-electric, Power-By-Wire (PBW) aircraft. Constructed from aluminum lithium and titanium and featuring aluminum lithium honeycomb sandwich skins, the Stiletto features a low observable, planform aligned configuration. With in-flight refueling capability, integrated avionics and 9-g plus maneuverability with standard air-to-air intercept stores, the Stiletto will be available in advanced trainer configurations without radar, as well as fully-equipped fighter variants with AESA radar and a comprehensive EW/Self Protection Suite. As a warfighter, the SM-31 is equipped with an internally mounted 20mm cannon and has both an internal weapons bay to carry two AIM-9X class AAMs as well as up to six external stores hardpoints to carry up to 7,000 lbs of external ordnance.
The purchase order for the 60 SM-31s was accompanied by an executed form DSP-83 and supporting documentation that was submitted by Stavatti to the State Department-Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) for export licensing and approval. Delivery of the SM-31 is expected to begin following its military qualification. Stavatti projects 50 to 100 aircraft will be produced annually by Stavatti at production facilities in the USA and in specific allied nations. Production of the SM-31 is projected to create more than 600 direct jobs.
