The K58 Raptor close-support aircraft has been cleared for Clone Air Force service following final tests and an order for forty-five placed. The aircraft is based on the K03 Pterodactyl advanced trainer which prepares pilots for the K45 Falcon. A key feature of the K03 and K58 is the bi-mode propulsion system. As well as a conventional turbofan the type a fuel-cell electrically powered ducted fan.
This makes the K58 very potent as a COIN aircraft. In electric mode the K58 is nearly silent and with other stealth features including active visual stealth (basically computer controlled lighting to hide a plane against the sky) the K58 is virtually invisible and thus can surprise enemy positions. The first K58s should enter service later this year.
