The Brazilian air force has finally signed a $400 million deal with Embraer to provide a mid-life update for 53 A-1As and A-1Bs - the Brazilian designation for single- and two-seat AMX light-attack/trainers. The six-year project, long deferred because of budgetary constraints, is led by Israeli avionics manufacturer Elbit and will start at the end of this year. It calls for extensive modification of the aircraft's systems and airframe.
The AMX is manufactured by a consortium of Alenia Aeronautica, Aermacchi and Embraer. A key upgrade involves installing the Galileo Avionica/Mectron SCP-01 multimode radar to replace a range-finding system. The programme also includes new cockpit features, including three multifunction colour displays, a 24° field-of-view head-up display, hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls and a night-vision goggle capability. The programme also adds a communications and navigation suite that will include a Rohde & Schwarz datalink.
Another goal is to improve interoperability with Brazil's fleet of Embraer EMB-314 ALX light strike aircraft and upgraded Northrop F-5E/F fleet. The AMXs will also be modified to employ more weapons, including the locally designed MAR-1 anti-radiation and MAA-1 Piranha air-to-air missiles - as well as other precision-guided weapons.
Single- and two-seat airframes will be redesignated A-1AM and A-1BM, respectively, once their overhaul and modification has been concluded, and the AMX upgrade will be performed at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto factory.
Meanwhile, the first upgraded F-5 is set for delivery to the Brazilian air force in January. The first F-5FM prototype made its maiden flight last November.
Source: Flight International
