During the early 1970s, Italian manufacturer Aermacchi conducted a design study on a prospective light ground-attack aircraft, which was given the designation of MB-340. In 1977, the Italian Air Force issued a requirement for 187 new-build strike fighters, which were to replace its existing Aeritalia G.91 in the close air support role. In 1980, the Brazilian government announced that they intended to participate in the program in order to provide a replacement for the Aermacchi MB-326 used by the Brazilian Air Force. As a result of a memorandum between Italy and Brazil for the aircraft's joint development in 1981, AMX International, an Italian-Brazilian joint venture, was formed to develop, manufacture, and market the aircraft.
Development
A pair of AMXs in flight, 2010
During early 1977, the Italian Air Force issued a requirement for 187 new-build strike fighters, which were to replace its existing Aeritalia G.91 in the close air support and reconnaissance missions, as well as the Lockheed RF-104G Starfighter also being used in the reconnaissance role.[1][2] Rather than competing for the contract, Aeritalia (now Alenia Aeronautica) and Aermacchi agreed to produce a joint proposal for the requirement, as both firms had been considering the development of a similar class of aircraft for some years. During the early 1970s, Aermacchi conducted work on a design study for such a light ground attack aircraft under the designation of MB-340. In April 1978, development work on the joint venture formally commenced.[3]
During 1980, the Brazilian government announced that they intended to participate in the program in order to provide a replacement for the Aermacchi MB-326. In July 1981, the Italian and Brazilian governments agreed on joint requirements for the aircraft, and Embraer was invited to join the industrial partnership.[3] An agreement was also struck to divide AMX manufacturing between the partners; for each production aircraft, Aeritalia manufactured 46.5 per cent of the components (central fuselage, stabilisers and rudders), Aermacchi produced 22.8 per cent (front fuselage and tail cone), and Embraer performed 29.7 per cent of the work (wing, air intakes, pylons and drop tanks).[1] There was no duplication of work, each component of the aircraft was built at one source only. The planned requirements were 187 aircraft for Italy and 100 for Brazil.[2] Final deliveries were 136 aircraft for the Italian Air Force (110 AMX & 26 AMX-T) and 94 airplanes for the Brazilian Air Force (79 AMX & 15 AMX-T) for a total of 230 planes between the two countries.[4]
In the early stages of development, various different powerplants and engine configurations were studied to power the type; both twin-engine and single-engine approaches were considered. The use of US-sourced engines had been promptly discounted to avoid any potential restrictions on export sales of the overall aircraft.[2] Amongst the engines examined were the Turbo-Union RB199 (as used by the larger Panavia Tornado), the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour, Rolls-Royce Viper, and the Rolls-Royce Spey engine.[2] In 1978, the Spey 807 model, which featured several additional improvements, was selected to power the new aircraft.[2]
Key features that were reportedly emphasised in the design process of the new aircraft were accessibility and survivability; the AMX had to be able to sustain a single failure to any onboard system without any performance degradation.[2] To achieve this, key systems are duplicated and vital systems are protected; the use of cockpit armor was considered but ultimately discounted due to the expense involved.[2] The detailed definition phase of the project was completed in March 1980.[1]
A total of seven flight-capable prototypes were produced for the test program, three by Aeritalia, two by Aermacchi, and two by Embraer, as well as two static airframes. The first prototype, assembled in Italy, made its maiden flight on 15 May 1984. This first aircraft was lost on its fifth flight in an accident, resulting in the death of its pilot.[5] Aside from this early loss, testing progressed without further incident.[6] The first Brazilian-assembled prototype made its first flight on 16 October 1985. On 11 May 1988, the first production aircraft performed its first flight.[7] Deliveries of production aircraft to Italy began in 1988,[5] the first units were delivered to the Brazilian Air Force during the following year.[8] On 14 March 1990, the prototype two-seat AMX made its first flight.[7]
The AMX is a conventional shoulder-winged monoplane. It is composed primarily of aluminium and manufactured using traditional construction methods, however elements such as the tail fin and elevators use carbon fibre composite materials.[1] For its size, a large proportion of the AMX's internal space is allocated to avionics and onboard computer systems, both the navigation and attack systems are computerized.[9] For accessibility and ease of maintenance, all avionics are installed directly in bays beneath the cockpit in a manner in which they can be worked upon at ground level without the use of support platforms.[2]
Drawing on experience from the Panavia Tornado, the AMX is equipped with a hybrid flight control system; a fly-by-wire control system is employed to operate flight control surfaces such as the spoilers, rudder and variable incidence tailplane, while the ailerons and elevators are actuated via a dual-redundant hydraulic system. Manual reversion is provided for the ailerons, elevator and rudder to allow the aircraft to be flown even in the event of complete hydraulic failure; either control system can act independent of one another.[10][11] The wing is fitted with both leading edge slats and trailing edge flaps and overwing spoilers ahead of the flaps. The spoilers can function as airbrakes and to negate lift; improving take-off and landing performance as well as manoeuvrability during flight.[12]
A single Rolls-Royce Speyturbofan engine serves as the AMX's powerplant. During the aircraft's development, the Spey was heavier and less modern than some of the available alternatives, but it was considered to be reliable, relatively cheap and was free of export restrictions that would be imposed by using American engines.[2][13] The Spey engine also enabled for the use of a simplified round-lipped inlet design. The rear fuselage is detachable in order to gain access to the engine. Separate consortia in both Brazil and Italy manufactured the Spey for the AMX.[12] Unusual for a strike aircraft of the era, no attempt was made to develop the aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds.[1]
An AMX and several munitions on display at the Paris Air Show, 1989
Brazilian and Italian aircraft differ considerably in their avionics, Italian aircraft being equipped with various NATO systems which were considered redundant in the South American theatre.[9] AMXs in Brazilian service are often fitted with one of three pallet-mounted sensor packages, which contain various vertical, oblique, and forward-facing cameras, for performing the aircraft's secondary aerial reconnaissance role.[7][9] A simple ranging radar is equipped for targeting purposes, however the specific radar also differs between both operators.[12] The flight system employs a GE Avionics flight control computer.[14] Extensive electronic countermeasure (ECM) are fitted to protect the aircraft, including passive receiver antenna on the tailfin and an active jammer pod that is typically mounted on one of the aircraft's hardpoints.[12]
Various munitions could be mounted on the one centerline and four under-wing hardpoints, including bombs, missiles and rockets; payloads of up to 2,000 lb may be carried upon the centerline and the two innermost under-wing pylons, while the outer pylons can carry up to 1,000 lb.[9] All four of the under-wing hardpoints are plumbed for drop tanks to extend the aircraft's range, Italian aircraft are also fitted with a fixed aerial refueling probe.[12] Optical reconnaissance pods can be carried externally on the centerline hardpoint.[7] Wingtip rails are provided for infrared guided air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and MAA-1 Piranha. Italian aircraft are fitted with a M61 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon on the port side of the lower fuselage.[9] The United States denied the sale of the M61 to Brazil, thus its AMXs are instead fitted with two 30mm DEFA 554revolver cannons.[10][15]
Operational history
Takeoff of Brazilian's fighter bombers AMX A-1
The first operational squadron of the Italian air force, the 103° Gruppo of 51° Stormo formed in November 1989,[16] with the first Italian unit also forming in 1989.[17] Both the Italian and Brazilian AMX fleets were grounded in February 1992, following the crash of an Italian AMX due to engine failure. Operations were allowed to restart in May that year, following modification of the engines.[18][19]
Italy assigned six AMXs from 103° Gruppo to operations over Bosnia in 1995 as part of Operation Deny Flight, which was followed by a similar deployment in support of the IFOR peacekeepers in Bosnia. This deployment was interrupted by another grounding, again due to engine failure, between January and March 1996.[20] Italian AMX aircraft were used in 1999 in the Kosovo war. Instead of using unguided or more traditional laser-guided bombs, the Italian Air Force used dozens of Mk 82 bombs fitted with Opher Israeli guidance kits, effectively converting the "dumb" bombs into an infrared-guided bomb.[21]
In the late 1990s, AMX International was considering a major engine refit; a non-afterburning variant of the Eurojet EJ200 was proposed, with considerably more thrust than the existing powerplant.[22] In 2005, the Italian Air Force launched an upgrade programme (ACOL Aggionamento Capacità Operative e Logistiche – Operational and Logistical Capability Upgrade) for 55 of its AMXs,[23] adding a new laser INS, new cockpit displays and allowing the aircraft to drop Joint Direct Attack Munition guided bombs.[24] In August 2007, Embraer began a major midlife upgrade programme and modernisation of 53 Brazilian Air Force AMX A-1s, focusing on avionics systems and new armament additions; the programme is estimated to have extended the lifespan of the fleet beyond 2027.[25]
Italian Air Force AMX, 2010
Starting in November 2009, four Italian AMXs were deployed overseas for operations in Afghanistan, replacing the same number of Italian Tornado IDS in the reconnaissance role.[26] Of particular note is the aircraft's ability to share digital electro-optical and infrared sensor information with ground troops in real time, providing valuable reconnaissance information and helping to minimise threat exposure. By the end of 2010 over 700 combat missions had been flown in the Afghan theatre. On 28 May 2014, the AMX performed its last combat sortie in the Afghan theatre, and on 20 June 2014, all remaining AMXs were withdrawn from Afghanistan.[27]
In 2011, Italian AMX aircraft were employed during the 2011 military intervention in Libya. Italian military aircraft deployed 710 guided bombs and missiles during sorties: Italian Air Force Tornados and AMX fighter bombers deployed 550 bombs and missiles, while Navy AV-8Bs deployed 160 guided bombs. The conflict saw the first use by AMX aircraft of Litening targeting pods paired with Paveway and JDAM guided bombs.[28] In early 2016, due to the declining stability of Libya, Italy opted to station additional aircraft, including four AMX fighters, at Bassi Airbase, Trapani, Sicily.[citation needed]
In March 2012, the Philippines were reportedly holding negotiations with Italy for the possible procurement of used AMX aircraft;[29] however, on 28 March 2014, the Philippines' Department of National Defense signed a contract for 12 FA-50 light attack aircraft worth P18.9 billion (US$421.12 million).[30][31]
The Italian Air Force held a retirement ceremony on 5 April 2024 at Istrana Air Base in northern Italy.
In 1986, development of a two-seat advanced trainer variant was undertaken. This was intended to provide trainee pilots with experience on fast jets, while still retaining the single-seater's attack capabilities. First flying in 1990, the AMX-T equipped both the Italian and Brazilian air forces.
AMX-ATA
The AMX Advanced Trainer Attack (AMX-ATA) is a new AMX two-seater multi-mission attack fighter developed for combat roles and advanced training. The AMX-ATA incorporates new sensors, a forward-looking infrared helmet-mounted display, a new multi-mode radar for air-to-air and air-to-surface capability, and new weapons systems including anti-ship missiles and medium-range missiles. The Venezuelan Air Force ordered eight AMX-ATA in 1999 for the advanced trainer and attack aircraft role, but the US Congress vetoed the sale because the aircraft systems include US technology.[32][33]
AMX-R (RA-1)
An AMX variant designed for reconnaissance missions. Various reconnaissance pallets can be fitted; used by the Brazilian Air Force.
A-1M
The product of a Brazilian upgrade program of their A-1s; significant features include a Mectron SCP-01 Scipio radar,[34] Embraer BR2 data link, FLIR Systems navigation equipment,[35] Elbit INS/GPS/databus, the adoption of a glass cockpit,[36] a new OBOGS system and HMD DASH IV.
A-11A
Italian military designation for the AMX from 2012.[37]
TA-11A
Italian military designation for the AMX-T from 2012.[37]
A-11B
Italian military designation for the AMX ACOL from 2012.[37]
TA-11B
Italian military designation for the AMX-T ACOL from 2012.[37]
Operators
A Brazilian Air Force AMX conducts an in-flight air refueling
1 Esquadrão/16 Grupo de Aviação Esquadrão Adelphi, Santa Cruz Air Base - disbanded in December 2016 in anticipation of future reactivation with the F-39 Gripen E. Aircraft transferred to Santa Maria Air Base.[42]
1 Esquadrão/10 Grupo de Aviação Esquadrão Poker, Santa Maria Air Base
3 Esquadrão/10 Grupo de aviação Esquadrão Centauro, Santa Maria Air Base
Aircraft on display
AMX A-1 first prototype at the Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro, in São José dos Campos, Brazil
A retired Italian Air Force AMX is displayed on a pedestal in front of the Thales Alenia Space plant in Turin.[43]
The first prototype built in Brazil is displayed on an open museum called Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro in São José dos Campos.[46]
A decommissioned Brazilian Air Force AMX is displayed at "Praça do Avião" square, which is located close to Galeão International Airport on Governador Island in Rio de Janeiro.[47]
Specifications (AMX)
Orthographically projected diagram of the AMXA close-up of the tailfin and rear fuselage of an AMXM61 Vulcan cannon on the underside of an Italian AMX
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94,[10] Jet Bombers[48]
Aermacchi was an Italian aircraft manufacturer. Formerly known as Aeronautica Macchi, the company was founded in 1912 by Giulio Macchi at Varese in north-western Lombardy as Nieuport-Macchi, to build Nieuport monoplanes under licence for the Italian military. With a factory located on the shores of Lake Varese, the firm originally manufactured a series of Nieuport designs, as well as seaplanes.
The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 is a light military jet trainer designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacter Aermacchi. It is one of the most commercially successful aircraft of its type, being bought by more than 10 countries and produced under licence in Australia, Brazil and South Africa.
The Italian Air Force is the air force of the Italian Republic. The Italian Air Force was founded as an independent service arm on 28 March 1923 by King Victor Emmanuel III as the Regia Aeronautica. After World War II, when Italy became a republic following a referendum, the Regia Aeronautica was given its current name. Since its formation, the service has held a prominent role in modern Italian military history. The acrobatic display team is the Frecce Tricolori.
The LTV A-7 Corsair II is an American carrier-capable subsonic light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV).
Aeritalia was an aerospace engineering corporation based in Italy. It was formed out of the merger of two aviation companies, Fiat Aviazione and Aerfer, in 1969.
Alenia Aeronautica was an Italian aerospace company. Its subsidiaries included Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali.
The Dassault Mirage IV is a French supersonic strategic bomber and deep-reconnaissance aircraft. Developed by Dassault Aviation, the aircraft entered service with the French Air Force in October 1964. For many years it was a vital part of the nuclear triad of the Force de Frappe, France's nuclear deterrent striking force. The Mirage IV was retired from the nuclear strike role in 1996, and the type was entirely retired from operational service in 2005.
The Saab 105 is a Swedish high-wing, twinjet trainer aircraft developed in the early 1960s as a private venture by Saab AB. The Swedish Air Force, which had opted to procure the type for various roles, issued the aircraft with the designation Sk 60. The Sk 60 entered service in 1967, replacing the ageing De Havilland Vampire fleet.
The Aermacchi AM.3 was the result of a joint venture between Aermacchi and Aeritalia in response to an Italian Army requirement for an aircraft to replace the Cessna L-19, and was initially designated the MB-335.
The Aeritalia G.222 is a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft.
AMX International Ltd was a joint venture company established to develop, manufacture and market the AMX ground attack aircraft.
The Aermacchi MB-339 is a military jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by Italian aviation company Aermacchi.
The Aermacchi M-346 Master is a family of military twin-engine transonic advanced jet trainers and light combat aircraft. Originally co-developed with Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130, the partnership was dissolved in 2000 and then Alenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master, while Yakovlev continued work on the Yakovlev Yak-130. The first flight of the M-346 was performed in 2004. The type is currently operated by the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Qatar, Turkmenistan and Poland. Since 2016 the manufacturer became Leonardo-Finmeccanica as Alenia Aermacchi merged into the new Finmeccanica, finally rebranded as Leonardo in 2017.
The Sud-Ouest Aviation (SNCASO) S.O. 4050 Vautour II was a French jet-powered bomber, interceptor, and attack aircraft developed and manufactured by aircraft company Sud Aviation.
The Soko J-22 Orao is a Yugoslavian/Serbian twin-engined, subsonic ground-attack and aerial reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed and built in collaboration by SOKO in Yugoslavia and by Avioane Craiova in neighbouring Romania, being known in the latter as the IAR-93 Vultur.
The Soko G-4 Super Galeb, also referred to as N-62, is a Yugoslav single-engine, advanced jet trainer and light ground-attack aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Technical Institute at Žarkovo and manufactured by the SOKO aircraft factory in Mostar.
The Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter was a licensed production Italian version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, which served in the Italian Air Force, and was its mainstay from the late 1960s until the beginning of the 21st century. The F-104S also served in the Turkish Air Force until the mid-1990s. The F-104S was the final development of the Starfighter line.
The Aermacchi M-345 is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft designed and produced by the Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo S.p.A.
The FiatG.91Y is an Italian ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft which first flew in 1966. Although resembling its predecessor, the Fiat G.91, the aircraft was in fact a complete redesign, a major difference being that it was equipped with a new twin-engine configuration, replacing the original single engine.
The Grifo radar is a family of airborne radars developed by Italian firm Leonardo S.p.A. for fighter aircraft and attack aircraft, and this family of radars includes several series.
↑ "Embraer lucra com retrofit de aviões"[Embraer profits from aircraft retrofit], Estadão (in Portuguese), 16 September 2011, archived from the original on 17 September 2011, retrieved 29 January 2012.
Gunston, Bill and Peter Gilchrist. Jet Bombers: From the Messerschmitt Me 262 to the Stealth B-2. Osprey, 1993. ISBN1-85532-258-7.
Jackson, Paul. "AMX: The 'Pocket Tornado'". World Air Power Journal. Volume 5, Spring 1991. ISSN 0959-7050. pp.132–139.
Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94. Coulsdon, Surry, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN0-7106-1066-1.
Metius, Wojtek. "AMX IOC: Service use for Italy's new agile attacker". Air International, October 1992, Vol 43 No 4. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634. pp.222–225.
Niccoli, Ricardo. "AMX In Italian Service". Air International, June 1997, Vol 52 No 6. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634. pp.349–353.
Niccoli, Ricardo. "AMX: Upgraded and Ready for Combat". Air International, November 2009, Vol 77 No 5. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634. pp.42–45.
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