(31 March 2017) Leonardo DRS (Aerospace, Defense and Security) has announced that it will build a new industrial plant in Tuskegee, Alabama, for the production of the T-100 integrated training system for it to be selected by the US Air Force. The T-100 team chose Moton Field Municipal Airport in Tuskegee for their new production and assemby site thanks to a highly skilled labour force available, infrastrcutures dedicated to flight operations and the availability of local and Federal resources that will support the economic development of the region. “The production of the T-100 aircraft in Alabama will create new jobs, providing the US Air Force with the best training system in the world” stated the CEO of Leonardo DRS, William J. Lynn, prime contractor for the T-100 Team. “We are certain that combining the integrated training system and manufacture of the aircraft into a single unit will enable us to better satisfy the demand, allowing us to define the most affordable offer and higher quality in this sector”. “Thanks to the T-100, US military pilots will be trained on one of the most reliable and competitive systems in the world. The new centre of excellence will also ensure significant benefits for the local economy, particularly in terms of high quality jobs” according to Mauro Moretti, CEO and general manager of Leonardo, explaining that “the T-100 is characterised by the highest level of integration between aircraft and simulation system, a fifth-generation cockpit, an open architecture and air refuelling capabilities. The system is designed to receive updates and performance enhancements for specific missions in response to current and future requirements of the U.S. Air Force. “The F124 engines of the T-100, manufactured by the International Turbine Company Honeywell Aerospace, will be built in Phoenix, Arizona. CAE USA will provide the ground-based training system that will be developed in Tampa, Florida. The T-X is a crucial programme for the US Air Force which aims to replace obsolete training aircraft at a time when a F-35s are increasing. (Red)
