Aerostar

The Aerostar, developed by Aeronautics Defense Systems, entered service in 2012 after a decade of research and prototype testing. Conceived as a multi‑role platform, the aircraft originally targeted both tactical transport and close‑air support missions, and its modular design allowed rapid reconfiguration for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or electronic warfare tasks. Its airframe combines a carbon‑fiber composite fuselage with a high‑strength aluminum wing box, delivering a maximum take‑off weight of 18 metric tons while keeping an empty weight 15 percent lower than comparable jets. Powered by two turbofan engines delivering 23 kN of thrust each, the Aerostar achieves a top speed of Mach 0.88 and a combat radius of 2,300 km. Avionics feature an integrated glass cockpit, fly‑by‑wire controls, and a network‑centric data‑link that streams sensor feeds to ground stations in real time. The aircraft’s reinforced landing gear and short‑take‑off capability enable operations from austere runways, expanding its tactical reach. Since its introduction, the Aerostar has been exported to six nations and has participated in numerous humanitarian relief missions, underscoring its versatility. Its blend of speed, payload flexibility, and advanced systems has set a new benchmark for next‑generation light combat aircraft.