Leonardo will participate in the competition for the future US Air Force training aircraft - called TX - by offering its own integrated T-100 training system and will operate through the American subsidiary Leonardo DRS which will act as prime contractor. This will allow Leonardo to maximize its leadership in the aeronautical field and in the field of training military pilots. With this structure Leonardo is confident of being able to provide a completely integrated solution in the best interest of the US Air Force.
The US T-100 program will generate significant economic benefits for the country in the name of growth, both in the skilled workforce and in the technologies and industrial capacities with the construction of dedicated infrastructures in the USA.
“Leonardo's commitment in this competition is based on the experience and ability to fully understand the training requirements of military pilots and on the competitiveness of our integrated T-100 training system, able to meet the current and future needs of the US Air Force ", declared Mauro Moretti, Managing Director and General Manager of Leonardo. Bill Lynn, Managing Director of Leonardo DRS, added: "We are proud to offer a highly technologically advanced and already operational solution for this highly competitive tender, which will produce positive economic effects in the US".
The T-100 is a latest-generation trainer based on Leonardo's M-346, an aircraft that has already beaten the competition in the most challenging races on a competitive basis in the last 10 years and that is already in service in several countries around the world, ensuring the best training for new generation fighter pilots. The T-100 is also equipped with an advanced simulation system capable of projecting pilots into realistic mission scenarios.
The two Honeywell Aerospace F124 engines ensure the best thrust-to-weight ratio, proven reliability, high efficiency and safety. The engines meet the most stringent requirements of modern military training aircraft.
Leonardo DRS will be supported by CAE USA in the design and development of the Ground Based Training System (GBTS), the ground-based simulation system. CAE has developed some of the most sophisticated simulation systems in the world for the latest generation of training aircraft and has been a partner of Leonardo for the GBTS of the M-346.
The T-100 is a proven, low-risk, integrated training system that is ready to train the next generation of US Air Force fighter jet pilots.
