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EADS Mako/HEAT

The EADS Mako/High Energy Advanced Trainer (Mako/HEAT) is a high-performance jet training aircraft, intended for service with several European air forces. EADS are proposing Mako for the Eurotrainer program. The program is the final result of the AT-2000 project.

Subcontractors will include Diehl Aerospace, Finmeccanica-Aermacchi, Saab, EAB and Dassault Aviation. Customers will likely include Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Finland, Greece, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.

The engine will be the General Electric F414M, which is a slightly derated version (at 75 kN) of the standard F414. The engine may have final assembly conducted by Volvo, as that company already assembles a version of the related GE F404/RM12 for Saab's Gripen fighter aircraft. EADS originally intended to use the Eurojet EJ200, but chose not to do so.

The Mako/HEAT will be deployed at three shared bases around the continent of Europe, for use by all partner nations. There are nine candidate bases, in seven countries, but there has been no final selection yet.

The Aermacchi M-346 trainer, also being proposed for Eurotrainer, made its maiden flight on July 15, 2004, and has performed a series of test flights since then. As of 2005, EADS has yet to announce a date for the maiden flight.

Design and development

The Mako design features a single aft-mounted jet engine, fed by 2 air intakes at the roots of the mid-fuselage-wing. The wing is trapezoidal with a sharp taper. The horizontal tail is an all-flying unit mounted close behind the wing and at nearly the same height. The retractable landing gear is a tricycle unit. The two occupants share a highly streamlined bubble canopy.