Stavatti Aerospace, a company with just 25 employees, has unveiled the SM-39 Razor, a fighter jet concept boasting Mach 4+ speeds. The design, resembling a batwing, aims to compete in the Navy’s F/A-XX program. It claims to carry 25,000 pounds of weapons internally. However, industry experts are skeptical of the feasibility given the company's lack of experience with full-scale prototypes.

The F/A-XX program seeks to replace the aging Super Hornets, with a budget of nearly $900 million allocated for Engineering & Manufacturing Development contracts. Boeing and Northrop Grumman, established defense contractors, are considered the frontrunners. The Razor's design is noteworthy, but its ambitious performance claims, including a 100,000-foot ceiling, face scrutiny.

Experts question whether the Razor's turbofan engines can handle near-hypersonic flight's thermal challenges. Moreover, Stavatti's track record of concept designs but no actual prototypes raises doubts. While the Navy pushes the program forward, the Razor’s chances remain unclear. The program is set to replace current jets by the 2040s.

This unlikely contender highlights the dynamic nature of the defense industry, where cutting-edge technology and innovative designs are constantly emerging. The future of the F/A-XX program, and whether smaller firms can challenge established giants, will be interesting to watch. The Navy aims to compete with China and Iran.