It was marketed for a range of general aviation purposes, including basic training, aerial survey, and cattle mustering.
The aircraft's unusual design aimed to ensure good and safe flying characteristics in hazardous, low-altitude operations, such as on farms.
[2][3] Composite Industries (later renamed to Eagle Aircraft) of Western Australia announced development of the X-TS in 1986.
[3] The prototype, registration VH-XEG, first flew in April 1988,[3] originally powered by a 58-kilowatt (78 hp) Aeropower engine.
[4] Other plans around this time included the development of a 75-kilowatt (100 hp), three-cylinder, two-stoke engine to power the aircraft, and a military variant of the Eagle with provision for underwing stores and Kevlar armour as protection against small arms fire.
[3] In 1989, Composite changed its name to Eagle Aircraft Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ticker symbol ASX:EAA, now defunct).