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AMX A1AM
Background
At the beginning of the 21st century, the FAB (Brazilian Air Force) began a plan to update its AMX A-1, unlike the Italian update, the Brazilian modernization was intended to be more extensive, giving the aircraft a lifespan until 2030. The company responsible for the update was EMBRAER, in addition to modernizing the electronic systems, revitalizing the structure and engines (Changes that will be discussed below) Standardized and improved the Air Force logistics chain through the nationalization of equipment since the AMX started to share systems with the F-5M and the A-29 both made and modernized by the same company. The result of this was born in 2012 with the first model.
Changes
1st Fuselage
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Structural revitalization to increase lifespan for 20 years of operations.
2nd Engine
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The engines received maintenance, as the air force is satisfied with the engine, considered robust and reliable.
3rd New Avionics
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The dashboard has been completely remodeled and the old analog instruments were replaced by three multifunctional displays similar to those employed by the F-5EM and A-29. There are two 6×8 inch screens and one 5×5 inch screen, in addition to the UFCP (Up-Front Control Panel – upper front control panel) just below the HUD, which has also been replaced. Communication and navigation equipment was also modernized. All of these new cabin elements are third-generation NVG. Integrated into the new DASH 4 HMD helmet.
4th Countermeasures
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They have been updated and improved with the original ELT-56X replaced by the new RWR PAWS-2, as well as new signal capture points added to the fuselage. The capacity of flares and chaffs has been increased. Can employ several pods such as the Skyshield for electromagnetic interference.
5th New Radar
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Replacement with the new multi-mode radar of Italian-Brazilian origin called SCP-01. It is a compact multimode radar that employs different waveforms (pulses and pulse repetition frequency), antenna search patterns and processing algorithms. The main function is the detection, tracking and measurements of target angles, distances and speeds, with an emphasis on air-to-surface modes (telemetry, air-to-sea search and terrain mapping), and limited air-to-air capability. Approximate maximum range 18 - 20km.
6th Infrared Navigation System
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The A-1M incorporated the device into the upper part of the plane’s nose. Information can be projected on the HUD.
7th Armament
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In addition to the ability to carry the original version’s weapons, the modernization brought more modern options. Old and new ones will be added below
Air-to-Air Missiles: 2x AIM-9L, 2x MAA-1A, 2x MAA-1B, 2x A-Darter.
Air-to-Ground Missile: 2x MAR-1.
Rockets: AVIBRAS SBAT-70/127, AVIBRAS Skyfire 70
Bombs: Mk81, 82 and 83 and their locally produced equivalents BFG 230, 460 and 920.
Retarded bombs: Mk82 Snakeye and its national equivalents BFA-230/1 and BFA-230/2 (parachute).
Guided bombs: Mk82/83 or equivalent with the Elbit Lizard II and III systems directed by the Litening II or III target designator pod and SMKB-82/83 guided by GPS.
Napalm bombs: 8x BINC-300 (explosive mass 236 kg)
Specifications
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Crew: 1
Length: 13,55 m
Wingspan: 9,97 m
Height: 4,55 m
Wing area: 21 m²
Empty weight: 6,731 kg
Gross weight: 10,751 kg
Max takeoff weight: 13,000 kg
Powerplant: 1 x Rolls-Royce Spey 807 turbofan engine, thrust 49,1 kN
Maximum speed: 1130km/h
Ferry range: 3,336 km
Service ceiling: 13,000 m
Rate of climb: 52,1 m/s
Internal armament: Bernardini DEFA MK-163 of 30 mm (DEFA-554) (Ammo 300)
5 external hardpoints and 2 wingtip rails for maximum load up to 3 800 kg
Conclusion
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The modernization program ended up not reaching even half of the fleet, but for Brazilian industry the knowledge in the areas of systems integration using digital buses, source code mastery, fly-by-wire controls, landing gear and other fundamental technologies were important for future projects and the FAB acquired an aircraft that was more capable than its original version.
Images
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