Article Posted on : - Sep 07, 2012

M-346 advanced trainer aircraft. Photo: Alenia Aermacchi.

ROLLE, SWITZERLAND (BNS): Honeywell has signed a contract to supply its F124-GA-200 turbofan engines for the Israel Ministry of Defence's (IMOD) new 30-strong Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master advanced jet trainer fleet.

The contract is worth approximately $735 million and includes engine supply and aftermarket support, the Company said.

The purchase of the F124-powered M-346 by the IMOD comes at a time when numerous defence departments, including that of the United States, are evaluating new training platforms to simulate the latest fighter aircraft such as the F-22, F-35, Eurofighter, Gripen and Rafale.

The F124/F125 family has been selected by five international defence departments, with operational status on Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Fighter and the Czech Air Force's L159 light combat aircraft.

The F124 will also power M-346 fleets recently purchased by the Italian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force when they enter service in 2013.

As part of the contract, Honeywell will also provide spare parts and a comprehensive maintenance and support programme to the IMOD, to maximize asset availability and reduce unplanned grounding time.

The deal was signed between Honeywell on behalf of the International Turbine Engine Company LLC, a joint venture between Honeywell, AIDC and NDIDF; the IMOD; and TOR, an Israeli joint venture between Elbit Systems and Israeli Aerospace Industries.