THE ROYAL Australian Air Force has shortened the list of contenders for its advanced jet-trainer requirement to six types.
The air force is expected to release requests for tenders shortly to Aermacchi, for the MB.339FD; Aero Vodochody, for the L-59; Alenia, for the AMX-T; British Aerospace, which is offering the Hawk 100; Dassault, bidding the AlphaJet; and McDonnell Douglas, offering the T-45. Eight unnamed companies, which were interested, have been ejected from the competition.
Selection of a winner to supply between 35 and 45 trainers is expected by early 1996, with first deliveries scheduled in June 1999 and formation of the first squadron in January 2000.
Source: Flight International
