AMX International

AMX International Ltd

Company type	Joint venture
Industry	Aerospace
Founded	April 1978 (1978-04)
Headquarters	Rome , Italy
Area served	Italy, Brazil
Products	AMX ground attack aircraft
Parent	Alenia, Aermacchi, Embraer

AMX International Ltd was formed as a joint venture to design, produce, and market the AMX ground attack aircraft.

Originating in the late 1970s with the goal of developing the AMX, the partnership initially involved the Italian aerospace companies Alenia and Aermacchi. In the early 1980s, Brazil's aviation firm Embraer joined the venture following the Brazilian government's decision to participate. The company’s main office was based in Rome. The first prototype assembled in Italy achieved its maiden flight on 15 May 1984, while the first prototype constructed in Brazil flew on 16 October 1985. Production deliveries began in 1988, with final assembly completed in 1999.

History

The origins of AMX International date back to a decision in the late 1970s when two competing Italian aircraft manufacturers, Alenia and Aermacchi, agreed to collaborate on developing a new ground attack aircraft. This initiative was driven by a requirement set forth by the Italian Air Force for 187 new strike fighters intended to replace their existing fleet of Aeritalia G.91 aircraft used for close air support and reconnaissance. Prior to formalizing their partnership, both companies had independently explored similar combat aircraft concepts. The joint development officially commenced in April 1978.

In 1980, Brazil's government announced its intention to join the program to find a successor for the Aermacchi MB-326. By July 1981, Italy and Brazil had agreed on shared specifications for the aircraft, leading to the inclusion of Brazilian manufacturer Embraer into the industrial consortium. Manufacturing responsibilities were divided among partners: Aeritalia produced 46.5% of components (including central fuselage, stabilizers, and rudders), Aermacchi handled 22.8% (front fuselage and tail cone), and Embraer was responsible for 29.7% (wings, air intakes, pylons, and drop tanks). Each component was exclusively manufactured by one partner without overlap. The planned orders were 187 units for Italy and 100 for Brazil.

File:AMX (5167938804).jpg

Two AMXs flying in formation, 2010

Seven flight-capable prototypes were built during testing: three by Aeritalia, two by Aermacchi, and two by Embraer, along with two static test airframes. The inaugural prototype assembled in Italy completed its first flight on 15 May 1984 but was lost during its fifth flight due to an accident that resulted in the pilot’s death. Aside from this incident, test flights proceeded without further complications. The first Brazilian-assembled prototype flew on 16 October 1985. The initial production model took to the skies on 11 May 1988. Deliveries to Italy started that same year, followed by deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force in 1989. On 14 March 1990, the prototype of the two-seat AMX variant conducted its maiden flight.

Although manufacturing tasks were shared among partners, there are notable differences between Brazilian and Italian AMXs concerning avionics; Italian models incorporate various NATO systems considered unnecessary for operations in South America. Brazilian AMXs typically carry one of three interchangeable sensor packages mounted on pallets, which include vertical, oblique, and forward-facing cameras to support their secondary role in aerial reconnaissance. A basic ranging radar is installed for targeting purposes; however, this radar system differs between operators. Italian aircraft are equipped with an M61 Vulcan 20 mm rotary cannon mounted on the port lower fuselage side. Conversely, due to U.S. export restrictions preventing sales of the M61 to Brazil, Brazilian AMXs are armed with two 30 mm DEFA 554 revolver cannons instead.

Product

• AMX International AMX

Bibliography

• Braybrook, Roy. "Evaluating the AMX". Air International, June 1989, Vol 36 No 6. Bromley, UK: Fine Scroll. ISSN 0306-5634. pp. 267–278.
• Gunston, Bill and Peter Gilchrist. Jet Bombers: From the Messerschmitt Me 262 to the Stealth B-2. Osprey, 1993. ISBN 1-85532-258-7.
• 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, Surrey, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0-7106-1066-1.
• Metius, Wojtek. "AMX IOC: Italy's new nimble attacker enters service". Air International, October 1992, Vol 43 No 4. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. ISSN 0306-5634. pp. 222–225.
• Warwick, Graham. "AMX design influenced by Tornado experience". Flight International, 21 November 1981. pp. 1544–1545.