Guy Norris/MUNICH
AMX International is studying the re-engining of the AMX combat aircraft with a non-afterburning version of the Eurojet EJ200.
A decision is expected as early as June and, if sanctioned, could lead to the development of a flight demonstration aircraft in 2000. AMX International, an Italian-Brazilian joint venture set up by Alenia, Aermacchi and Embraer, is thought to be evaluating the more powerful engine as a way to revive market interest in the aircraft. The company is looking to enhance the air-to-ground capability of the AMX and to develop variants such as the AMX-E electronic warfare version.
The AMX, in service with Brazil and Italy, is powered by an 11,000lb (49kN)-thrust Rolls-Royce Spey Mk 807, built under licence in Italy by FiatAvio, Piaggio and Alfa Romeo Avio, in association with Companhia Eletro-Mechanica in Brazil. The proposed new powerplant would generate around 13,500lb (60kN) thrust, and, with a fan diameter of 0.74m (29in), would fit into the AMX without the need for any significant installation changes, says Eurojet.
"The AMX is a strong possibility, and the EJ200 would do a lot for that aircraft," says Eurojet managing director Ken Greenall. "They could fly it next year, and they'd certainly like to get a flying demonstrator by then if they can get some funding," he adds. "The EJ200 would transform the AMX and make it into a really good air-to-ground platform."
"We are in ongoing talks over the design" adds Paul Herrmann, manager for weapons systems integration for Eurojet, which is developing the EJ200 initially for the Eurofighter Typhoon. In afterburning mode for the Eurofighter, the EJ200 generates more than 20,000lb thrust. This version is also being proposed for the Saab/ BAe Gripen, and as a re-engining candidate for older Boeing F/A-18s, Mikoyan MiG-29s and even the Panavia Tornado.
The AMX re-engining concept is believed to be gaining strong support in Italy, and particularly from FiatAvio which is already a partner in Eurojet.
FiatAvio is responsible for the engine's low pressure turbine and shaft, gearbox, air/oil system and interstage support. The Italian company is also responsible for the reheat system, which would be deleted from the AMX version. Other EJ200 partners are ITP of Spain, MTU of Germany and Rolls-Royce of the UK.
• Eurojet has delivered 26 prototype EJ200s and has amassed 930 flight hours on seven Eurofighter prototypes. The flight test programme has so far enlarged the envelope to 42,000ft (12,800m) and speeds between 135kt (250km/h) and Mach 2.
Source: Flight International
