Stavatti unveils fanciful SM-39 Razor fighter jet concept resembling Sci-Fi Cylon Raider
February 18, 2026
Yet another fantastic futuristic fighter jet concept has emerged from Stavatti Aerospace. This time, the concept, called the SM-39 Razor, appears to resemble the Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galactica, even coming with the stated aim of operating on the verge of space.
The SM-39 Razor’s fighter jet-of-fighter jets render
While most aerospace companies write sparingly about their next-generation aircraft concepts, Stavatti Aerospace has an impressive 14,000 words of text about its bat-winged SM-39 Razor. It is being offered as a solution for the US Navy’s F/A-XX fighter jet programme.
Stavatti starts by declaring, “The SM-39 is a next generation air dominance fighter and fighter-bomber. Designed to perform the missions of the F-47, F-22, F-15, F/A-18E/F and the now retired F-14 Tomcat, A-5 Vigilante and A-6 Intruder, the SM-39 is a twin engine, piloted or unpiloted autonomous, low observable aircraft.”
It claims the aircraft would be a blend of an atmospheric fighter and a space fighter, making the Cylon comparison more salient.
In March 2025, Trump stated Boeing’s winning F-47 6th-generation fighter will fly at Mach 2. Stavatti claims the SM-39 will achieve “excess of Mach 4” before explaining how it plans to make it happen.
The SM-39 Razor on carrier landing approach as enhanced by Gavin Christiantoro pic.twitter.com/p56xsMW0YP
— Stavatti Aerospace (@StavattiAero) February 11, 2026
Amusingly, Stavatti asserts this fighter jet of fighter jets will only have a “typical per unit flyaway cost of $85 Million.” For reference, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet, and possibly some F-35A Lots and Saab Gripen fighters, are reported with lower flyaway costs. F-15EXs, Rafales, F-35Bs, and Eurofighters are more expensive.
Stavatti says, “Drone and Autonomous SM-39Us will serve in a variety of roles including interceptor, fighter-bomber, interdictor, strike, reconnaissance and loyal wingman.” More of the extraordinary claims for the jet can be read on Stavatti’s website.
Over 30 years and no Stavatti aircraft
Stavatti Aerospace was founded in 1994 and is based in Niagara County in New York state. It has been subject to intense scrutiny over the years for unfulfilled promises, unpaid debts, and lawsuits that allege fraud.
After 30 years, the company has failed to build a single aircraft. Some critics have accused the company of operating a “Ponzi scheme,” an allegation the company denies.
The company has engaged in a few multi-million dollar projects, including purchasing a former National Guard hangar in 2020. However, according to the Buffalo News, the hangar has since remained inactive.
The SM-39 Razor on carrier landing approach as enhanced by Gavin Christiantoro pic.twitter.com/p56xsMW0YP
— Stavatti Aerospace (@StavattiAero) February 11, 2026
Stavatti Aerospace continues to promote high-concept aircraft designs.
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Tax incentives terminated after no work done
In 2024, CHNI reported that after almost three and a half years of promises to build aircraft at a former US Army Reserve Station, the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency’s patience with Stavatii ran out.
The agency voted to “terminate $2.15 million in tax incentives it awarded Stavatti, as its members cited a lack of progress to justify an extension.”
Vice Chairperson Jason Krempa stated, “The fact that there hasn’t been any progress is concerning.” The agency noted that very little activity was actually happening at the site, with 20 to 40 employees working there from other companies renting space from Stavatti.
Still, there are enterprising companies seen as having real potential, pushing the boundaries with futuristic designs. One example is Australia’s Hypersonix start-up earning contracts from the British MoD, the Australian government, and NASA. Hypersonix is developing reusable scramjet engines.
One company that recently unveiled eye-catching futuristic unmanned fighter jet concepts is ShieldAI, with its tail-sitting VTOL X-BAT fighter jet.
