This aircraft was designed in response to a requirement in 1975 for a jet trainer to replace its aging fleet of trainers. Like many European jet trainers, it was also to have a limited attack capability. The company sought technical assistance from other manufacturers and produced a design along largely conventional lines, the only surprising feature being a large internal weapons bay beneath the rear cockpit, allowing for a wider variety of armament to be carried than the underwing pylons alone would allow. Alternatively, this bay can be used to carry reconnaissance equipment. The aircraft is designed in a modular fashion to ease manufacturing and maintenance. The first flight took place in June, 1977, test flights did not begin until April, 1978. Performance was found to be better than anticipated by the designers. An initial military order for 60 machines was placed, a dedicated trainer version. The first aircraft entered service on March 17, 1980. This was followed in production by a combination attack/trainer with an uprated engine for another country, which bought four aircraft and parts for another eight to be assembled locally. In 1983, the company developed a dedicated attack version, and the final version was demonstrated in 1985, featuring vastly improved avionics and thecapability to carry the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile, but this failed to attract any orders.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 07/03/07 at 1200 hrs E.D.T.
Brian [C):-)]