Airbus unveils concept of future light combat aircraft

[The Ronin]

The Spanish division of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released its vision of future light combat aircraft on 16 October.

On Friday, the Spanish division of Airbus has released its proposal for a new advanced trainer, the AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer).

The presentation was given by Fernando Peces, head of the Eurofighter program in Spain, Military Aircraft part of Airbus Defense & Space and Javier Escribano, head of Future Combat Programs.


The first thing they highlighted is that “The AFJT is a program designed by and for Spain, which is positioned as the operational, industrial and technological development solution that would allow the country to continue with its position as a leading player in the aerospace and defense sector. ”.

The concept of the new aircraft is a single-engine transonic performance jet trainer.

The division press release said that the new platfrom could be a base for developet of new jet trainer that could support pilots going on to fly the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Also on the basis of the new plane, it is possible to create a light fighter and a new generation attack unmanned aircraft.

The trainer variant, with a stepped two-seat cockpit, is offered with and without the internal gun and multi-mode radar. In-flight weapon system simulators can be installed with a library of synthetic targets and threats.

The light combat aircraft will be available as a single-seat light combat aircraft for air defense and reconnaissance missions.

It is estimated that for every 100 million euros invested in the AFJT, between 2,100 and 2,500 jobs will be created in Spain and a return for the Spanish coffers of about 36 million euros in taxes and social contributions. In addition, Spain would receive royalties for exports to other countries.

“The AFJT Program would be an important engine of the economy and a generator of highly qualified and quality jobs, contributing to the creation of stable and high-value employment with a high impact. The knowledge generated in engineering and design would also serve as a generator of new opportunities for the future of the national industry ”, Fernando Peces pointed out.

Airbus unveils concept of future light combat aircraft

The Spanish division of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released its vision of future light combat aircraft on 16 October. On Friday, the Spanish division of Airbus has released its proposal

defence-blog.com

 

[Ali_Baba]

It does seem like more and more countries are now beginning their own aircraft development programmes at home. I didnot figure Spain would start one, so that is an eye opener to me.

 

[ziaulislam]

Looks like jf-17..copied

..indian poster...

 

[Beast]

Looks like jf-17..copied

..indian poster...

On top view, it looks like F-18 and from side view it looks more like FTC -2000G

 

[Oldman1]

On top view, it looks like F-18 and from side view it looks more like FTC -2000G

More like the F-20 Tigershark.

 

[Aspen]

From a far distance, I could definitely mistake it for JF17

 

[CrazyZ]

I think most non stealth AC of this type are gonna have a similar planform (F20, JF-17 like). Based on wings....its not gonna be very fast.

 

[aziqbal]

looks a bit out of date

 

[TheSnakeEatingMarkhur]

View attachment 680248


The Spanish division of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released its vision of future light combat aircraft on 16 October.

On Friday, the Spanish division of Airbus has released its proposal for a new advanced trainer, the AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer).

The presentation was given by Fernando Peces, head of the Eurofighter program in Spain, Military Aircraft part of Airbus Defense & Space and Javier Escribano, head of Future Combat Programs.


The first thing they highlighted is that “The AFJT is a program designed by and for Spain, which is positioned as the operational, industrial and technological development solution that would allow the country to continue with its position as a leading player in the aerospace and defense sector. ”.

The concept of the new aircraft is a single-engine transonic performance jet trainer.

The division press release said that the new platfrom could be a base for developet of new jet trainer that could support pilots going on to fly the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Also on the basis of the new plane, it is possible to create a light fighter and a new generation attack unmanned aircraft.

The trainer variant, with a stepped two-seat cockpit, is offered with and without the internal gun and multi-mode radar. In-flight weapon system simulators can be installed with a library of synthetic targets and threats.

The light combat aircraft will be available as a single-seat light combat aircraft for air defense and reconnaissance missions.

It is estimated that for every 100 million euros invested in the AFJT, between 2,100 and 2,500 jobs will be created in Spain and a return for the Spanish coffers of about 36 million euros in taxes and social contributions. In addition, Spain would receive royalties for exports to other countries.

“The AFJT Program would be an important engine of the economy and a generator of highly qualified and quality jobs, contributing to the creation of stable and high-value employment with a high impact. The knowledge generated in engineering and design would also serve as a generator of new opportunities for the future of the national industry ”, Fernando Peces pointed out.

View attachment 680249

Airbus unveils concept of future light combat aircraft

The Spanish division of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released its vision of future light combat aircraft on 16 October. On Friday, the Spanish division of Airbus has released its proposal

defence-blog.com

Looks like K8 but instead of seats being together they are inlined...

How about an electric propelled Mushak to send our regards to the Ts...?

 

[Bilal9]

It does seem like more and more countries are now beginning their own aircraft development programmes at home. I didnot figure Spain would start one, so that is an eye opener to me.

Spanish have a long tradition of independent aerospace development and certainly - assembly, starting in WWI.

Here is the Hispano Saeta from 1962

Here is a C-101 aviojet trainer from CASA back in the 70's I believe.

Back in the day, CASA had a JV with IPTN in Indonesia. Nowadays they (as a subsidiary of EADS) busy with A400M assembly.

 

[FuturePAF]

Airbus knows there is a large number of air forces that need new jets but can’t afford $50+ Million planes. This plane will probably be marketed to all the countries that operate older European, Soviet, and American aircraft and have a limited budget. It’s a political move not to lose influence in countries to the like of China, Russia, The US, South Korea, and even India.

This is just a platform, it’s the political connections and weapons deals that will be the big benefit to the Europeans, especially France, even though Spain is taking the lead on this program. This is the kind of jet they could sell to Armenia or a former French colony in Africa, in bulk. The Mirage 2000 would be another good option, but after so many hours on the airframes, a new plane of lesser capabilities will probably be more reliable for budget strapped air forces then a Mirage.