Italy bids farewell to iconic AMX A‑11 Ghibli after 35 years
After 35 years of dedicated service, Italy has decided to retire the AMX A-11 Ghibli aircraft. This distinct design dates back to the 1980s, when Italy and Brazil collaborated. Despite receiving accolades as a formidable combat aircraft, Italy has opted to conclude the operational life of the remaining 25 active AMX units.
9:10 AM EDT, April 7, 2024
The AMX aircraft serves as both a survey and strike platform, conceived through the partnership of Italy and Brazil. Initially pursued by Italy alone, the need was for a lightweight, single-engine aircraft to replace the older Aeritalia G.91 and Lockheed RF-104G Starfighter models.
A key specification for this new design included the capability to take off from short or compromised runways. In 1987, the Brazilian company Embraer joined the efforts led by the Italian conglomerate Aeritalia, culminating in the establishment of the AMX International consortium.
While initially planning for nearly 300 aircraft, from 1986 to 1999, only 136 AMX units were produced for Italy (dubbed A-11 Ghibli) and 57 for Brazil.
AMX A-11 Ghibli Aircraft
The versions procured by Italy and Brazil showcase differences in avionic setups and onboard weapon systems. The Italian model integrates a 20-mm, 6-barrel M61A1 Vulcan cannon, contrasting with the dual 30-mm Bernardini Mk-164 cannons in the Brazilian variant.
Throughout its service, the aircraft adorned in Italian livery has participated in various conflicts, establishing itself as a highly effective design – not only meeting but exceeding design expectations and showcasing remarkable durability, particularly notable given the absence of armor protection for the cockpit.
The AMX units have seen action in Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. Italy undertook a modernization initiative, equipping its aircraft to carry, among other armaments, JDAM-guided bombs. Italy and Brazil pursued separate modernization paths, leading to divergences in equipment compatibility.
The AMX aircraft measures 43.6 feet in length, has a wingspan of 29.2 feet, and features a dry weight of 7.4 tons, with a maximum takeoff weight of 14.3 tons. Propelled by a Rolls-Royce Spey 807 engine, it can achieve speeds of up to Mach 0.85.
Beyond its primary armament, the aircraft can be outfitted with air-to-air missiles for self-defense on its wingtips, alongside various air-to-ground munitions and reconnaissance pods across five suspension nodes.
Last User of AMX Aircraft
Despite proving its merit as a design, the AMX did not attract international buyers. It emerged into a marketplace during the post-Cold War détente, when there was a marked decline in the demand for specialized strike or light combat aircraft.
With Italy's retirement of the AMX, Brazil now stands as its sole operator. Brazil plans to continue using these aircraft until at least 2027.
