U.S., Italian firms team for USAF award

• Tweet

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi of Italy are teaming in a bid to win a U.S. Air Force contract for trainer aircraft.

The companies said Thursday a letter of Intent to partner for the T-X trainer program has been signed. If the contract is won, General Dynamics will serve as prime contractor, providing expertise in systems integration and delivery, while Alenia Aermacchi would supply T-100 aircraft.

The T-100 is a variant of the company's M-346 military trainer. The T-100, if chosen by the Air Force to replace aging T-38 trainer jets, would be manufactured in the United States and feature locally produced components and equipment.

"The combined strengths of General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi's T-100 will deliver a best-in-class training system ensuring that the U.S. Air Force's next generation of fighter pilots are fully prepared to defend the nation and our allies, regardless of the mission," said Jerry DeMuro, executive vice president of Information Systems and Technology for General Dynamics.

"Leveraging aircraft and systems that are already proven internationally saves significant development time and cost for the Air Force and includes an unprecedented level of safety for the trainees as they train and fly."