DAIMLER-BENZ Aerospace (DASA) is working on concept studies for a transonic/supersonic advanced jet trainer, light-fighter design and seeking international partners for the proposed project.
The German company had been hopeful that South Korea would be the launch partner for the AT 2000. The South Koreans preference for a Lockheed Martin partnership has thwarted this ambition, although US Air Force objections to elements of that project could yet re-open the competition.
The AT 2000 project was DASA's main proposal to meet the South Korean KTX-II trainer requirement.
The South Koreans' preference for the US defence contractor leaves DASA still searching for other industrial partners.
The German design shows a tandem-seat single-engined aircraft, with a chined forward section and wing forebody blending. One powerplant option being considered is a de-rated version of the Eurojet EJ200. Afterburning and non-afterburning variants are being considered.
The original AT-2000 project stretches back to 1989 and a joint Dornier/Aermacchi study into future trainer requirements.
Hans Eisenlohr, DASA Military Aircraft division's director of Training Systems, says that as far as the concept studies go, there is now no Aermacchi involvement. Aermacchi says that it remains "in contact with DASA, however".
See AFA 96, PP14-15.
Source: Flight International
