AEROMEDIA
The Italian Aerospace Information Web
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AMX ACOL Test Phase Goes on

The development of the AMX fighter-bomber in ACOL configuration for the Italian Air Force proceeds smoothly. In the meantime, the first ACOL series aircraft, single-seater (line number IX074 - MM7162), flew for the first time on October 17, 2006, at the Alenia Aeronautica Turin/Caselle plant. The AMX ACOL single-seat prototype (IX101 - CSX7189) made its maiden flight, also at Turin/Caselle, on September 30, 2005, and the AMX ACOL two-seat prototype (IT009 - CSX55034), modified by Alenia Aermacchi, made its first flight on June 7, 2006.
The first AMX ACOL series aircraft incorporates the complete and fully integrated ACOL avionic suite. The two prototypes, tested respectively by Alenia Aeronautica (IX101) and by Alenia Aermacchi (IT009), are aimed to the development of two specific sub-packages forming the ACOL configuration. It’s envisaged that the ACOL contract will have follow-on elements which will further enhance the AMX capabilities.
The ACOL (Aggiornamento delle Capacità Operative e Logistiche - Operational and Logistic Capabilities Update) programme leads to a general improvement of the combat capabilities of the Italian Air Force AMX, extending the operational life of the type to 2015 at least. The final ACOL configuration will include a new IN/GPS navigation system, a new multi-function LCD display, a new Computer Symbol Generator with Digital Map function, crash recorder and the replacement of some obsolete equipments. Besides Alenia Aeronautica and Alenia Aermacchi, the ACOL development phase will be managed in collaboration with the IAF Flight Experimental Unit RSV (Reparto Sperimentale Volo) at Pratica di Mare Air Base near Rome. The main subcontractors for the programme are Boeing (JDAM Mk83 bombs), Galileo Avionica, Lital and Selex Communications. The contract includes the upgrade of 43 single seat AMX fighter bombers and 12 two-seaters, and an integrated logistic support package for all the ACOL configurated aircraft.

In the picture: AMX ACOL single-seat prototype CSX7189 lands at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia (2006). (Col/Aeromedia)

(Aeromedia, October 2006)