Missiles and an array of new sensors will allow it to hunt insurgents and take part in low-intensity conflicts.
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| It will be named Mwari after the God of creation. All pics Paramount Group |
Boeing hopes that an odd-looking twin-tailed plane which can outmanoeuvre helicopters could be turned into a low-cost fighter.
The plane was designed by South Africa's Paramount Group and it is currently used to patrol borders.
But a new deal will see Boeing add missiles and an array of new sensors to the aircraft which will allow it to hunt insurgents in warzones and take part in low-intensity conflicts.
The craft has been named Mwari - in honour of the all-seeing African God of creation - and each unit will cost around $10m each.
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| It bears a passing resemblance to a WW1 fighter plane |
Boeing executive Jeffrey Johnson said: "We'll not only bring a flexible, persistent and affordable aircraft to the international market, but we'll also be developing world-class technology in Africa."
The plane looks unusual due to its narrow high body and stadium seating for the pilot and sensor operator.
A pusher prop and forward-swept wings give it a passing resemblance to a World War One fighter plane.
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| The plane features stadium seating for the pilot and sensor controller |
While it has a modest top speed of 310mph, it is very versatile - being able to take off and land in rough fields without runways.
It can also travel for seven hours without being refuelled which makes it more suitable for long patrols than many helicopters.
It is also agile enough to outmanoeuvre helicopters at speed.
Source : Here