Lockheed Martin to Offer Israel "Pay By The Hour" Deal on AT-63

Lockheed Martin is planning to offer Israel a "pay by the hour" leasing program for its AT-63 attack trainer that would cover the total cost of acquisition and operation.

The Israel Air Force is looking for a replacement for its Tzukit trainers-a locally built Fouga Magister derivative-and is seeking to outsource the entire operation of training aircraft to a commercial concern. An operational lease provided by a major U.S. manufacturer such as Lockheed Martin could also take advantage of financing the entire program by Foreign Military Sales aid, instead of just the procurement phase.

Dr. Bernard R. Kelleher, director of international business development at Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina, told Show News that the company is currently considering work-sharing with Israeli industries for local subcontracting or manufacturing of the aircraft, as well as operation of the "pay by the hour" program. Kelleher said that Lockheed Martin is offering the AT-63 with a complete Integrated Logistics Support program, derived from the F-16 and based on the same international networking that works well for its international Falcon field support program.

The AT-63 is a low-cost, high-performance advanced trainer based on the Pampa that has been in service in Argentina since the late 1980s. Under the Advanced AT-63 program, the aircraft is being equipped with a glass cockpit provided by Elbit Systems that will be compatible with modern fighters such as the latest F-16s, facilitating easy transition of cadets into fighter pilots. The new trainer will also get a Honeywell TFE-731-40R engine, strengthened 7g wings and improved nose landing gear. Additional capabilities will include laser rangefinder, increased weapons capabilities, radar warning receiver and conformal chaff/flare dispensers.

Lockheed Martin estimates the total market for trainers between 2002 and 2010 could reach 1,200 aircraft, of which the AT-63 could gain some 300 sales. The AT-63 was integrated into Lockheed Martin's product line last year 2000, and is now being aggressively promoted.