AMX International AMX
AMX International (Aermacchi / Alenia / Embraer) · International (Italy / Brazil) · first flew 1984 · fighter
The AMX is a single-engine subsonic ground-attack aircraft developed jointly by Italy and Brazil to deliver ordnance accurately in the battlefield interdiction role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | One non-afterburning Spey turbofan in the fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single fin with modestly swept shoulder-mounted wing
- One non-afterburning Spey turbofan in the fuselage
- Compact subsonic strike jet with side intakes
Look for a compact single-engine jet with a shoulder-mounted moderately swept wing and a conventional single tail. Lateral intakes feed the sole fuselage engine, and the aircraft carries a squat, purposeful attack profile.
Specifications
- The AMX International AMX has a length of 13.23 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.87 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 913 km/h (567 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 (2 in trainer).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Italy's Aermacchi and Alenia teamed with Brazil's Embraer to meet a shared light-strike requirement, and the first prototype flew in 1984. Production and testing were split between the partners, with the type entering service late in the decade. A tandem two-seat trainer variant followed.
Variants
The single-seat attack aircraft is the core version, designated A-11 Ghibli in Italy and A-1 in Brazil. A two-seat AMX-T serves for training and expanded mission roles, and reconnaissance-configured aircraft carry sensor pods. Mid-life upgrades added new avionics and precision weapons.
Where you'll see it
The AMX has no UK connection but is notable for using a licence-built Rolls-Royce Spey derivative as its single unreheated turbofan. Italy deployed the type on operations over the Balkans and Afghanistan, while Brazil used it for patrol and strike at home. Both nations have since retired or wound down the fleet.
Related aircraft
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