EADS Mako/HEAT
| Company type | Aircraft project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | AT-2000 initiative |
| Founder | EADS |
| Products | Jet trainer and light attack aircraft (concept) |
| Parent | EADS |
The EADS Mako/High Energy Advanced Trainer (Mako/HEAT) was envisioned as a versatile, high-performance jet trainer and light attack platform intended for use by several European air forces. This aircraft concept evolved from the AT-2000 initiative and was presented as a candidate in the Eurotrainer competition.
Design and development
The Mako’s configuration included a single jet engine mounted at the rear fuselage, fed by two air intakes located at the wing roots near mid-fuselage, paired with sharply swept trapezoidal wing surfaces. Positioned immediately aft of the wings was an all-moving horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft was equipped with retractable tricycle landing gear and featured a sleek bubble canopy designed to accommodate two crew members.
Major subcontractors involved in the program were Diehl Aerospace, Leonardo (previously Aermacchi), Saab, EAB, and Dassault Aviation.
To enhance low observability, the design incorporated stealth characteristics such as faceted surfaces and composite materials, drawing upon advancements from the MBB Lampyridae stealth research project. The intended propulsion system consisted of a derated General Electric F414M engine, capable of producing 75 kN of thrust.
The operational concept envisioned joint use of three bases shared among partner nations across Europe. While nine potential sites across seven countries were evaluated, no definitive base was selected. The rival Aermacchi M-346 trainer conducted its first flight in July 2004; however, by 2010, EADS had yet to report any maiden flight for the Mako, indicating that the program had likely been discontinued.
In addition, the Mako/HEAT participated in South Africa’s 1998 strategic procurement competition but was ultimately outperformed by the BAE Hawk and Saab Gripen.