Article Posted on : - Jan 21, 2013

T-100 Alenia Aermacchi. Photo: Alenia Aermacchi

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA (BNS): General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to join forces and compete for the US Air Force's T-X trainer programme.

Together, the team will offer a fully integrated advanced pilot training system built around the Alenia Aermacchi T-100, a market variant of the company's established M-346 military aircraft trainer.

As the prime contractor, General Dynamics will bring its proven experience in systems integration and sub-contract management to deliver an Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS) consisting of aircraft, flight simulation devices, multi-media classrooms and logistics support.

The T-100 Integrated Training System will incorporate any unique US Air Force requirements and will be built in the United States with an emphasis on United States-made components and equipment.

Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 is an advanced jet trainer that is currently training the world's air forces to operate fourth and fifth generation air-combat aircraft.

Currently in production for international customers including the Israeli, Italian and Singaporean Air Forces, the M-346 has also been selected by the United Arab Emirates as their advanced aircraft trainer.

The US Air Force's T-X trainer programme will replace the aging T-38 trainer jets and related training systems.