Company Introduces New Light Attack Aircraft.

• Position: News Briefs

* Members of Bronco Combat Systems USA have developed a two-crew precision strike aircraft based on a legacy platform, according to the company.

Bronco II can operate up to 31,000 feet and carry large mission systems in its internal bay, said Bronco Systems Capital Executive and South Africa-based Paramount Group International Chairman and Founder Ivor Ichikowitz. The system was specifically designed as a light attack aircraft to provide hybrid intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and close-air support capabilities. It is based on the advanced high-performance reconnaissance light aircraft, which is already in production, according to a company news release.

Ichikowitz noted operating costs add up to under $1,000 an hour.

"The acquisition cost is [also] highly competitive with its competitors," he said.

The Bronco II production prototype has already completed 350 hours of testing, Ichikowitz noted, adding that the system is designed to operate in remote areas.

Operators "liked the handling of the aircraft, they liked the design of the aircraft, they very much liked the fact that it had 180-degree visibility--they liked the fact that... it didn't need prepared runways," he said. "We've tested not only the technical aspect, but also the performance and the operations aspects of the aircraft very extensively over a...