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AMX International AMX | Ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft

AMX International AMX
AMX International AMX

Militarymedia.net | In April 1978, Aeritalia and Aermacchi combined their resources to meet the requirements of the Italian air force (AMI) for an advanced multipurpose attack and reconnaissance aircraft. The program got an extra boost in 1980 when it merged with Brazil, with EMBRAER being chosen as the industry partner. Procurement was initially signed for 79 AMX for Brazil and 187 for Italy, plus six prototypes. This type of Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 807 turbofan power plant was built under license. The initial AMX flew in May 1984.

Design features include stick and hand throttle controls, internal navigation system, heads-up and head-down displays, digital databus, active and passive electronic counter actions, and provision of air-to-air refueling.

By mid-1998, the total program had increased to 332 aircraft, including 66 two-seat AMX-T (known in Brazil as the A-1B). In this variant, the fuel chamber behind the original cockpit is replaced with a second Martin-Baker Mk 10L ejection seat, leading to some reduction in range. The first of three AMX-T prototypes initially flew in Italy on March 14, 1990, although funding problems delayed the first flight of the Brazilian two-seat prototype until August 14, 1991. A radar-equipped version of the AMX-T has also been considered in Brazil and Italy for all-weather, electronic combat reconnaissance, maritime strike roles, and Italian tests with the Exocet anti-ship missile proved successful.

AMX International AMX
AMX International AMX

In the reconnaissance role, the AMX can carry an external photo or infra-red pod, or it can be equipped with one of three sensor palettes for internal transport on the forward fuselage. The first operational Aeronautica Militare Italiana squadron received its first AMX on November 7, 1989.

The first Brazilian A-1 units began receiving their aircraft on 17 October 1989. In 1998 Venezuela announced its intention to purchase an advanced AMX-ATA variant and further prospects include a variant powered by a 60 kN non-afterburning version of the Eurofighter EJ200 Turbofan.

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