SAO PAULO, June 20 (UPI) -- The first flight of a subsonic combat aircraft prototype by Embraer of Brazil has been successfully completed, the company announced.
The A-1M will begin a full flight testing program prior to delivery of jets to the Brazilian air force starting next year.
The A-1M is an upgraded AMX International, originally produced by an Italian-Brazilian joint venture for close air support and reconnaissance missions. The AMX, went out of production in 1999.
These achievements reinforce the commitment of Embraer Defense and Security, as a strategic partner of Brazil and, especially, of the Brazilian Air Force, and contributes to its re-equipping process and the upgrading of its material resources," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defense and Security.
The ceremony to mark the aircraft's first flight coincided with Embraer's delivery to the FAB of the 99th and last A-29 Super Turcano, a turbo-prop light attack aircraft.
