Top Light Attack Aircraft: Redefining Expectations for Fighter Ultralight Aircraft?

While the term “Fighter Ultralight Aircraft” might conjure images of small, lightweight planes designed primarily for recreation or basic surveillance, the realm of light military aircraft is showcasing capabilities that push the boundaries of what’s possible in more compact and cost-effective platforms. These advanced light attack aircraft are demonstrating surprising firepower, speed, and versatility, performing roles once exclusively handled by larger, more expensive fighter jets. As the demand for agile and adaptable aerial assets grows, exploring these top contenders offers a glimpse into the future of lightweight combat aviation. This list highlights ten prominent light attack aircraft, showcasing their specifications and contributions to modern air forces.

1. KAI TA-50

The TA-50 is a light attack aircraft and lead-in fighter trainer variant derived from the T-50 supersonic advanced trainer aircraft. Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the TA-50 entered service with the Republic of the Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2011. It represents a highly capable platform for both pilot training and combat missions, offering performance characteristics that might be unexpected in a platform considered “light.”

KAI TA-50 light attack aircraft lead-in fighter trainer based on T-50

The aircraft boasts a substantial weapons load capacity of up to 3,850kg. Its armament includes a General Dynamics A-50 three-barrel rotary cannon, air-to-air missiles like AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, Hydra 70 and LOGIR rocket launchers, along with various cluster and general-purpose bombs. Powered by a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, the TA-50 can achieve a maximum speed of 1,852km/h and boasts a maximum range of 1,850km, showcasing remarkable speed for a light platform.

2. Textron AirLand Scorpion

Offered by Textron AirLand, a joint venture between Textron and AirLand Enterprises, the Textron AirLand Scorpion is a light attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft designed for affordable and flexible operations. The jet aircraft conducted its maiden flight in December 2013, positioning itself as a versatile asset for various mission profiles.

The Textron Scorpion features a maximum payload capacity of 4,173kg. Its six wing-mounted hardpoints can carry up to 2,810kg of ordnance, including guns, rockets, laser-guided missiles, infrared air-to-air missiles, and other guided and unguided munitions, highlighting its significant combat capability for a light aircraft. It is powered by two Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines, each providing 18kN of thrust. The aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 833km/h and achieve a range of 4,074km, demonstrating impressive endurance.

3. HAL Tejas

Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy, the Tejas is a multi-role light combat aircraft (LCA). This supersonic jet entered service with the IAF in July 2016 and represents a significant step in indigenous aerospace development, providing advanced capabilities in a relatively compact airframe.

The Tejas features eight hardpoints with a maximum payload capacity of 3,500kg. It can be armed with a 23mm twin-barrel cannon, air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, as well as precision-guided munitions, rockets, and bombs, giving it comprehensive combat options. The Tejas LCA is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, producing a maximum thrust of 90kN with afterburner. This power enables the aircraft to fly at speeds up to 1,975km/h and attain a maximum range of 3,000km, showcasing fighter-like performance.

4. M-346FA

The M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is a light combat variant of the M-346 advanced jet trainer, developed by Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi). Unveiled at the 2017 Paris Air Show, the M-346FA is marketed as a versatile platform capable of both light attack missions and advanced combat training, bridging the gap between trainers and frontline fighters.

This aircraft is equipped with seven hardpoints designed to carry guided and unguided air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, alongside other external loads such as gun, reconnaissance, and target acquisition pods, totaling up to 3,000kg. The M-346FA is powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, each rated at 28kN thrust. This propulsion system allows it to reach a maximum speed of 1,075km/h.

5. Hongdu L-15

Manufactured by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the Hongdu L-15 is both an advanced jet trainer and a light attack aircraft. The aircraft entered service with the PLAAF in 2010, serving dual roles in pilot development and potential combat scenarios.

The Hongdu L-15 features six wing-mounted hardpoints capable of accommodating a payload of 3,000kg. The aircraft can be armed with short-range air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, rocket pods, and various bombs, offering a range of attack options. It is equipped with two Ivchenko Progress AI-222K-25F afterburning turbofan engines. This power-plant provides a maximum speed of 1,715km/h and a ferry range of 3,100km, combining high-speed capability with significant range.

6. L-159 ALCA

The L-159 advanced light combat aircraft (ALCA) is a single-seat subsonic attack aircraft produced by Czech manufacturer AERO Vodochody. Intended primarily for light attack, reconnaissance, air defense, counter-insurgency, and patrol missions, the ALCA made its maiden flight in August 1997, entering service with the Czech Air Force in 2000. A twin-seat version is also available for advanced flight training.

The aircraft includes six under-wing mountings, enabling it to carry a variety of ordnance, including bombs, rocket launchers, and air-to-ground and air-to-air guided missiles. It has a payload capacity of 2,340kg and a maximum take-off weight of 8,000kg. Powered by an F124-GA-100 turbofan engine, the L-159 has a maximum cruise speed of 936km/h and an operational range of 2,530km when fitted with additional fuel tanks.

7. YAK-130

The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a twin-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft offered by Irkut Corporation. This subsonic aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force in February 2010. While primarily designed for advanced flight training, its robust design and payload capacity allow it to effectively perform light-attack and reconnaissance missions.

The Yak-130 provides nine external stations with a total payload capacity of 3,000kg. It can carry a diverse range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, smart bombs, aerial bombs, unguided rockets, and a gun pod, making it a versatile light strike platform. The aircraft is powered by two Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 turbofan engines, each rated at 24.52kN thrust. It can fly at a maximum speed of 1,060km/h and achieve a maximum range of 2,100km.

8. L-39NG

Developed by Aero Vodochody, the L-39NG is a new generation trainer and light attack aircraft, primarily intended for the Czech Air Force. As an evolution of the successful L-39 Albatros, the aircraft made its first flight in December 2018, incorporating modern technology and improved performance.

The jet aircraft is designed for basic and advanced flight training, as well as light combat roles including close air support, counter-insurgency, and reconnaissance missions. It features five external hardpoints capable of carrying 1,640kg of payload, which can include a gun pod, air-to-air missiles, guided/unguided rockets, and bombs. The L-39NG is powered by an FJ44-4M turbofan engine, which provides a maximum thrust rating of 16.87kN. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 780km/h and can attain a range of 2,130km using only its internal fuel supply.

9. AT-6 Wolverine

The AT-6 Wolverine is a dedicated light attack and armed reconnaissance solution offered by Beechcraft, part of Textron Aviation Inc. This multi-mission aircraft is a competitor in programmes seeking cost-effective, capable platforms for various combat and support roles.

Designed to provide flexible attack and reconnaissance capabilities, the AT-6 Wolverine features seven hardpoints and can carry a maximum payload of 1,864kg. This includes a wide variety of ordnance, such as over 13 types of general purpose and precision-guided munitions. The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turboprop engine coupled to a Hartzell four-bladed propeller. The engine develops a maximum power of 1,177kW, enabling the aircraft to fly at a maximum speed of 827km/h. The ferry range of the aircraft is 3,195km when fitted with four external fuel tanks, offering significant deployment flexibility.

10. Embraer A-29 Super Tucano

Also known as EMB 314 Super Tucano, the A-29 is a turboprop light attack aircraft offered by Embraer. It was developed to meet the light combat requirements of armed forces around the world and serves as a successor to the EMB 312 Tucano trainer. Its rugged design and proven capability have made it popular internationally.

Primary operators include the air forces of Brazil, Colombia, Afghanistan, Chile, Ecuador, and Indonesia, among others. The A-29 Super Tucano can carry a range of ordnance weighing up to 1,550kg, including gun pods, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, precision-guided munitions, and bombs, offering substantial firepower for a turboprop platform. The aircraft is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine driving a Hartzell five-bladed propeller. The engine provides enough power to attain a maximum speed of 593km/h, while external fuel tanks extend its maximum range to 3,056km.

Conclusion

These ten light attack aircraft demonstrate the cutting edge of combining agility, advanced technology, and significant combat power in platforms that are often smaller and more cost-effective than traditional fighter jets. While not “ultralight” in the recreational sense, their capabilities challenge conventional ideas about size-to-power ratios in military aviation. The continued development of these aircraft suggests a future where versatile, lightweight platforms play an increasingly vital role in various defense and security scenarios, perhaps eventually influencing the design philosophy behind even more advanced concepts related to highly capable, compact aerial vehicles.