On this day in 1984 the AMX International AMX had its maiden flight.
The AMX International AMX is a ground attack aircraft deisgned for battlefield interdiction, reconnaissance and close air support missions. It was built in 1999 by an Italian-Brazillian joint-venture called AMX International. The aircraft is known as the A-1 by the Brazillian Air Force and the A-11 Ghibli by the Italian Airforce.
The aircraft can operate at high subsonic speeds by day or night and, when necessary, from fields with poor or damaged runways. Its low IR signature and low radar equivalent cross-section help it avoid detection while integradted ECM, air-to-air missles and nose-mounted guns provide its self defence capabilities.
Around 200 were produced during its 13 year production run between 1986 and 1999. It is still in active service with both the Italain Air Force and the Brazillian Air Force and, with upgrades, it will serve the Brazillian Air Force until 2032.
The Tactical Air Network 