AMX-T Venezuelan Air Force (FAV)
Jointly developed by Embraer and Alenia, the AMX-T is a high performance, transonic turbofan twin-seat, specifically designed for Advanced Fighter Lead-In Training and miscellaneous missions. This cost-effective, multi-role aircraft was designed from the outset to pursue low-altitude attacks against enemy targets on land or sea, and to survive in a hostile environment. Embraer offered the AMX-T as the logic step from the basic trainers to the modern 4th generation fighters, as it offers students a challenging training syllabus that allows their skills to increase at an optimized rate. The Venezuelan Air Force (FAV) placed during 1999 a firm order with Embraer for eight AMX-Ts for its Advanced Trainer & Tactical Support Program, to replace its old T-2A Buckeye trainers. The deal is worth approximately US$ 150 million. On December 18, 2002 Embraer announced the signature of a contract with the Venezuelan Air Force (AMV - Aviación Militar Venezolana) for the supply of the new Advanced Training and Tactical Support aircraft to AMV. The agreement specifies the sale of 12 AMX-T aircraft to replace their T-2D Buckeye trainers. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2005.
According to the AMV, Embraer’s AMX-T was selected through an international bid involving seven participants for being the multimission aircraft that presents the best performance in terms of training and tactical support. With the first exports of the AMX-T under this agreement, Embraer consolidates its remarkable position in the international market of high-technology products for the competitive defense segment. “The AMX Program was important for Embraer’s technological and industrial breakthrough, enabling the Company to develop the competences which led it to reach the position it enjoys today in the world aeronautical market. The victory in this disputed bid confirms the superior qualities of our product,” said Maurício Botelho, President and CEO of Embraer.
A state-of-the-art multimode radar for Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground, and Air-to-Sea ranging, searching, tracking, track-while-scan, air combat, can be fitted to the AMX-T providing more accuracy, efficacy and self-defense conditions. It allows the deployment of the AMX-T as a very efficacious ground attack aircraft, in the Close Air Support (CAS), Battlefield Interdiction, Anti-Ship, Reconnaissance and Strategic Bombing missions. A dependable NAV/ATTACK System in the same level of the late top-of-the-line fighters provides a wide and precise day/night strike capability. All AMX-T systems and lighting were designed for night missions. A VHS-C video set records any pertinent flight data and audio for ground or in-flight reproduction. A NVG’s GEN III-compatible FLIR (Forward Look InfraRed) is optionally featured.
On the ground, the AMX-T ‘s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) frees the AMX-T from ground support allowing autonomous operations from dispersed sites. The aircraft maintains the same combat-proven operational characteristics of the AMX – Ground Attack Fighter – already in operation with air forces in Brazil and Italy. Manufactured with high-resistance materials for combat damage tolerance, the operational reliability of the AMX-T is achieved by a dependable design concept with fly-by-wire plus redundant, hydraulic and manual flight surface controls. Powered by a fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce 11,000-lb thrust Spey engine, the aircraft performs low-altitude strike with maximum weapon load at 500-plus kts.
Owing to the AMX-T flight characteristics and the fly-by-wire surface controls that avoid critical situations in all flying phases, the transition from turboprop to turbofan aircraft training is safe and easy. As the two-seat cockpit has double controls, override capacity included, the instructor can keep, under any circumstances, a constant and accurate monitoring of the student’s actions. Flying syllabus including flight tactical skills can be backed up by the AMX-T’s cockpit’s updated, avionics suite.
The on-condition maintenance programs are based on last-generation equipment and components. A BIT Function Equipment provides a fault-localization and diagnostic system that helps speed repair works guaranteeing a flight reliability rate. Several inspection doors and windows provide an easy access to the aircraft’s equipment, pipes, components and cables. Finally, owing to a modular design and proven reliability, engine time between overhauls is 1,200 hours.
Updated weapons and sensors for all-weather day/night missions are provided. In its seven under-wing, fuselage hard points the aircraft can carry in excess of 4,000 kg of miscellaneous weapons plus two short-range air-to-air missiles of the AIM-9X class, or similar, in each wing tip. The aircraft carries a number of conventional and/or smart weapons used by the new-generation fighters and is compatible with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles etc. Two DEFA 30 mm guns are mounted in the front fuselage section.
Combat proven Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) instrumentation plus a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) are available. Low radar and infra red signature guarantees a low aircraft detection susceptibility. An all-glass cabin provides a low pilot’s workload and was designed to the day/night, all weather environments found in the operational and training theaters. The cockpit features a Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) instrument, two high-performance computers and an Integrated INS/GPS navigation system. A last-generation multi-mode radar with Air-Air, Air-Surface (anti-ship mode included) allows a precise, long-range detection and tracking. The air-surface mode includes tracking movable targets and a high-resolution mapping capability.
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