Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina (LMAA) proposes developing a faster, more capable version of the upgraded AT-63 Pampa advanced trainer/light attack aircraft re-engined with the Honeywell TFE731-40, and is in talks with the Argentinian government about funding for a demonstrator programme.
"We're still in negotiations with the government, but we are looking at doing that in mid-2006," says LMAA president Alberto Buthet, who believes the higher thrust will increase the aircraft's sales potential as well as decrease operating costs. It could also improve the competitiveness of the AT-63 against the onslaught of increasingly capable turboprops such as the Embraer Super Tucano, Pilatus PC-21 and Raytheon T-6 Texan II.
"We have to do something because the turboprops are pushing up from the lower end and are getting stronger," says Buthet.
The re-engining effort, which is supported by Honeywell, would involve converting the initial AT-63 Pampa upgrade demonstrator, which is scheduled to make its maiden flight in June. The aircraft is currently powered by the Honeywell TFE731-2C, which supplanted the -2N used in the first variant. Buthet says the new 40 engine, rated at 4,200lb thrust (18.7kN) against the current powerplant's 3,600lb, will raise speed capability from around 340kt (630km/h) to 390kt.
While acknowledging this is "not like a full-up fighter", Buthet says the speed increase, combined with the AT-63's low-altitude capabilities, will dramatically increase its effectiveness as a light attack/fast trainer without significantly increasing cost. The modification is expected to be relatively simple, given the "drop-in" replacement design used by Honeywell.
Meanwhile, LMAA engineers are working with Israel-based Elbit on the third release of software for the systems in the upgraded AT-63 demonstrator. The suite includes a new weapons system, multifunction display, mission computer, 1553B databus and an Elop-developed head-up-display. LMAA hopes to deliver the first upgraded AT-63 to the Argentine air force in December.
GUY NORRIS/CORDOBA
Source: Flight International
