It’s no secret that the U.S. military have plans to replace the A-10 Warthogs in the future. One aircraft that is in the conceptual plan phase is known as the “Machete” designed by Stavatti a Minnesota aerospace start-up company.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glUPxed2hLA
Stavatti is pushing (fighting for the big budgetcontract) to get their lightweight attack plane idea to the right people. This new lightweight attack aircraft is made from metal foam, this technology is lighter than the A-10’s armor but the material is more efficient at stopping projectiles.
There will be two versions of the Machete:
-Propeller-driven SM-27
-Jet Engine SM-28
Both types are single-seat and single engine aircraft. Obviously, the Machete will be built around the infamous A-10 30mm GAU-8 Gatling cannon weapon system.
Sources: Stavatti, U.S. DOE
