The AMX programme originated from a requirement of the Italian Air Force for single-seater and two-seater combat aircraft for surface attack missions. The AMX was originally conceived as a replacement for Italy’s aging fleet of G91 and F-104 attack fighters. The project began when the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force) began drawing up specifications for a light tactical attack fighter to complement the larger Tornado IDS. The new aircraft needed to fulfill a variety of tasks ranging from attack and reconnaissance to long-range anti-shipping and air combat duties. Aeritalia began developing an aircraft to meet these needs, and Aermacchi also joined the effort. The cooperation between these two firms resulted in the new plane being designated the AMX for Aeritalia Macchi Experimental.
In the meantime, the Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) had formulated a similar need for a light jet to replace the AT-26 Xavantes. In 1980, the Brazilian manufacturer EMBRAER also joined the AMX program. The AMX then became a joint venture of three firms to develop a light attack fighter for both Italy and Brazil. In 1982 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Italy and Brazil and the joint development and production programme was subsequently conducted by AMX Consortium, based in Rome, through the Italian companies Alenia Aerospazio, now Alenia Aeronautica, (46.5%) and Aermacchi (23.8%) and the Brazilian company Embraer (29.7%).
Although the AMX design that finally emerged emphasizes simplicity and low cost, performance has not been sacrificed. The AMX features a high-mounted swept wing with several high-lift devices. Coupling this wing with a powerful Rolls-Royce engine, license built in Italy, makes possible excellent short takeoff and landing capability. Both the wing and tail surfaces of the AMX have also been designed to operate at high angles of attack, and large control surfaces make for superb maneuverability. The main role of the AMX is ground attack in visual and marginal weather conditions, with primary roles in long range strike and air interdiction, close air support, reconnaissance and armed patrol. The aircraft is also highly effective in air defence missions and the lead-in fighter role. The AMX is capable of operating at high subsonic speed and low altitude, by day or night, and if necessary, from bases with poorly equipped or damaged runways.
The AMX designers also put great emphasis on upgradability, and a fuselage bay can be easily fitted with several types of reconnaissance palets or other mission-specific avionics. The AMX also makes use of rugged landing gear allowing operations from rough or damaged airfields. Although primarily an attack aircraft carrying bombs and air-to-surface missiles, the AMX is also armed with short-range Sidewinder missiles providing air defense capability. The AMX Advanced Trainer Attack (AMX-ATA) is a new AMX two-seater, multi-mission attack fighter 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 anti-air and anti-ship capability, and new weapon systems including anti-ship missiles and medium-range missiles.The new AMX-ATA version is aimed at attack roles and advanced training, and is equipped with the most modern advanced technology man-machine interface and avionics systems. The integration of new sensors, a multimode radar to respond to a variety of new operational requirements, as well as the adoption of new weapon systems are some of the characteristics which make the AMX-ATA a potentially very competitive aircraft world-wide within the light combat/training aircraft market. It will be equipped with the new Eurojet EJ-200 Dry engine based on the same core as the reheated version developed for Eurofighter/Typhoon fighter.
In total, 192 aircraft, 155 single seater and 37 AMX-T two seater, have been delivered to Italy (110 AMX, 26 AMX-T) and Brazil (79 AMX, 15 AMX-T). The main difference between the AMX in two countries is the weapon and electronic system. The Venezuelan Air Force ordered eight AMX-ATA in 1999 for the advanced trainer and attack aircraft role. In December 2002, the Venezuelan Air Force signed a contract with Embraer for 12 AMX-T Advanced Training and Tactical Support Aircraft. Deliveries are to begin in 2005. In August 2004, the Brazilian Air Force signed a contract with Embraer for a mid-life update of 53 single-seat (designated A-1A) and two-seat (A-1B) aircraft. The upgrade will include three new multifunction colour displays, head-up display, night vision goggle compatibility and new communications / navigation suite. Elbit of Israel is to be the lead contractor.
KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:
Bosnia – Operation Deliberate Force (Italy, 1995)
Kosovo – Operation Allied Force (Italy, 1999)
(Italian Air Force AMX fighters were deployed as part of the NATO forces in Operation Allied Force against Serbia in 1999. Source )
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