Stavatti responds to Royal Malaysian Air Force Fighter Lead-In Trainer requirement

Stavatti SM-31T Stiletto trainer aircraft. Stavatti submitted the Stiletto as a potential solution to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) requirement for 18 new Fighter Lead In Trainer & Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA).

After having published as the first media in the world on Stavatti's participation in the USAF T-X Program in 2017, today we share a new "unexpected" news about the New York-based aircraft manufacturer.

On 22 September 2021 Stavatti submitted the SM-31T Stiletto as a potential solution to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) requirement for 18 new Fighter Lead In Trainer & Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA). The Stavatti response consisted of an 80 page proposal. The proposal was submitted to the Procurement Officer for the RMAF Fighter Lead In Trainer & Light Combat Aircraft Requirement, Malaysia Ministry of Defense as well as to Lt. Col. Balkishah Baharuddin, Assistant Attaché (Defence) Embassy of Malaysia.

The Stavatti response focused upon the delivery of 18 new SM-31T Stiletto aircraft to serve as RMAF supersonic FLIT-LCA aircraft. The Stavatti proposed solution consisted of aircraft alone 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). Delivery of the proposed aircraft would begin in 2025 with all 18 aircraft delivered prior to the end of 2026.

The SM-31 Stiletto is a single engine, fifth generation advanced supersonic trainer and Light Weight Fighter (LWF). Now under development by Stavatti as a privately funded, commercial program, the SM-31 Stiletto is Intended to address anticipated future needs of both the United States, NATO and Allied Air Forces. A single engine aircraft with low observable design features, the SM-31 Stiletto will be produced as both a supersonic trainer as well as a single seat Light Fighter with an internal weapons bay. Stavatti proposed the SM-31 as one element of a Family of Aircraft (FoA) that may satisfy a breadth of allied air force requirements ranging from training to air intercept to reconnaissance.

Powered by a single Honeywell/ITEC F125X or F125XX afterburning turbofan and featuring Power-By-Wire (PBW) flight controls, tandem MK18 ejection seats and aluminum lithium honeycomb sandwich construction, the SM-31T will feature an all-glass touch screen cockpit and will meet JPATS cases 1-8. A low observable stealth aircraft, the SM-31T features an internal weapons bay and 2D thrust vectoring. The SM-31T as proposed was offered at a flyaway cost in the $18 Million class with an estimated CPFH of $3,204 and 3.46 MMH/FH. The SM-31T is anticipated to be available for production deliveries in 2024-2026. The proposed SM-31T will be produced in the USA or at a Stavatti Malaysia facility which may include a new build Stavatti aircraft production and assembly plant at the the Subang Aerotech Park or the KLIA Aeropolis. This proposed 500,000 sq ft to 1,000,000 sq ft facility will serve as home to Stavatti Malaysia and could employ up to 5,000 skilled individuals in the production of aircraft in Malaysia.

Stavatti has secured Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the delivery of over 60 SM-31 Stilettos by US Allied Air Forces and was awarded the Design Patent for the SM-31 by the USPTO on 23 July 2020.

Source, Image: Stavatti