AMX-A
Aeritalia / Aermacchi / Embraer (AMX International) · Italy / Brazil · first flew 1984 · fighter
The AMX-A is the definitive single-seat production variant of the joint Italian-Brazilian light attack and close-support aircraft developed by AMX International through the 1980s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single Rolls-Royce Spey-derived turbofan buried in deep mid-fuselage intake under a high swept wing |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single Rolls-Royce Spey-derived turbofan buried in deep mid-fuselage intake under a high swept wing
- Slightly anhedral leading-edge root extensions (LERX) blending into the intake cheeks
- Compact, shoulder-winged silhouette with a broad vertical fin and two-piece spoiler/airbrake on upper wing
High-mounted swept wing with prominent LERX is the dominant shape cue, sitting atop a deep oval fuselage housing the buried single engine. The broad trapezoidal fin and short, blunt nose distinguish it cleanly from contemporary low-wingers. Wing-root fences and a modest intake lip under the forward fuselage are visible at close range.
Specifications
- The AMX-A has a length of 13.23 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.87 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1050 km/h (652 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in 1977 as Italy's replacement for the Fiat G.91 and Lockheed F-104 in the low-level interdiction role, joined by Brazil's Embraer to share costs and meet the FAB's own requirement. The prototype flew in May 1984 and the AMX-A entered Italian Air Force service in 1989, with Brazilian A-1 deliveries following shortly after. A combined total of around 192 aircraft were built across both nations before production ended in 1999.
Variants
AMX-T is the two-seat trainer/combat variant; AMX-R adds a reconnaissance sensor suite; Brazil's upgraded fleet is redesignated A-1M with a modern glass cockpit and extended service life.
Where you'll see it
Italy operates the type as the AMX (locally dubbed Ghibli) with the 32° Stormo; Brazil's A-1 fleet is concentrated at Santa Cruz and Natal. Both nations have undertaken progressive avionics and weapon-system upgrades to extend service well into the 2020s.
Related aircraft
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