Rheinmetall KZO

The Rheinmetall KZO is a twin‑engine, medium‑altitude reconnaissance and light‑attack aircraft developed by Rheinmetall AG in the early 2020s. Conceived as a response to NATO’s demand for a versatile platform that could operate from austere forward bases, the KZO project began in 2017 under the code name “Kampf‑Zweck‑Optimierung.” After a three‑year design phase and a series of wind‑tunnel tests, the first prototype rolled out in March 2021 and achieved its maiden flight in September of the same year. Serial production started in 2024 at Rheinmetall’s Augsburg facility.

Key features include a carbon‑fibre reinforced fuselage, integrated sensor suite with synthetic‑aperture radar and electro‑optical/infrared payloads, and a modular weapons bay capable of carrying up to 4,500 kg of munitions. The aircraft is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, giving a maximum speed of Mach 0.95 and a combat radius of 1,200 km. Advanced fly‑by‑wire controls and a fully digital cockpit support single‑pilot operation or a two‑seat trainer configuration.

In aviation, the KZO is significant because it bridges the gap between legacy turboprop trainers and high‑performance fighters, offering NATO allies a cost‑effective solution for intelligence‑gathering, close‑air support, and rapid response missions in contested environments.

Rheinmetall AG

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