On 19 November 2021 Stavatti submitted four distinct responses to the US Navy Tactical Surrogate Aircraft (TSA) program call for Capability Statements. Electronically submitted to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) Specialized and Proven Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226), on 30 November 2021 Stavatti received an e-mail acknowledgment from Contract Specialist Sarah B. Carter stating that “The Government acknowledges receipt of Stavatti’s Capability Statements.”
The Stavatti responses focused upon potential solutions that consisted of delivering 64 aircraft as well as a comprehensive advanced air training solution that included new aircraft, Ground Based Training Systems (GBTS), spares, ground support and handling equipment, external stores and Contractor Logistical Support (CLS). The response included four, 20 page Capability Statements introducing the SM-31T Stiletto, the SM-28T Machete, the SM-47T Super Machete and a fourth non-developmental Stavatti advanced subsonic trainer as potential solutions. Summarizing Stavatti’s new design developmental solutions for the requirement:
The SM-31T Stiletto as presented is a two seat tandem, single engine, fifth generation advanced supersonic trainer and Light Weight Fighter (LWF). Powered by a single F125X or F125XX afterburning turbofan, the SM-31 will serve as a stealthy, single engine aircraft with an internal weapons bay. The SM-31 will have a maximum level speed in excess of Mach 1.5 and can carry a 7,000 lb external warload. The SM-31 is designed to succeed F-5, T-38, T-50, Boeing T-7A, L-39 and MiG-21 Aircraft worldwide. Stavatti offered the SM-31T at a unit aircraft flyaway cost of approximately $18 Million in the Tactical Surrogate Aircraft configuration.
The SM-28T Machete as presented is a two seat tandem, single engine, advanced trainer, tactical surrogate aircraft and close air support aircraft. Armed with a 30mm cannon and able to carry 12,000 lbs of stores, the SM-28 has a maximum speed of over 0.90 Mach and a tactical radius of over 700 nm on internal fuel. Heavily armored, the SM-28 can replace A-10, Su-25 and all other subsonic CAS aircraft with greater effectiveness, efficiency and survivability. Offered with and without the 30mm cannon for the TSA mission, the SM-28 was offered at a unit flyaway cost of approximately $20 Million in the Tactical Surrogate Aircraft configuration.
The SM-47T Super Machete as presented is a two seat tandem, single engine afterburning turbofan powered Air Defense Fighter, Strike Fighter and Trainer. A super-maneuverable aircraft with Forward Swept Wings, the SM-47 has a Mach 2.2 maximum level speed and a tactical radius on internal fuel of 800 nm. Armed with a 20mm cannon and 9 external hardpoints to carry 12,000 lbs, the SM-47 replaces F-5s, F-16 ADFs, F/A-18A/Bs, Mirage 2000s and JAS 39 Gripens. The SM-47T was presented at a unit flyaway cost of $25 Million.
Developing these three new design aircraft to address a wide variety of future global mission needs, Stavatti’s solution offered innovative, affordable clean-sheet-of-paper solutions. Stavatti solutions will be produced in Niagara Falls, NY and will enable the expansion of USN force structure while enhancing new pilot training. To satisfy the USN need, Stavatti aircraft deliveries will begin in the 2024-2025 time-frame and conclude by 2027.
