Aermacchi.

Aermacchi recently initiated its new EA variant of the SF-260 trainer aircraft with a 70-minute maiden flight that validated the engine, flight controls and airborne systems. This aircraft is the first of 30 units covered under a contract Aermacchi signed with the Italian Air Force in early 2004. The EA configuration features a new avionics suite, improved cockpit ergonomics and an improved maintainability schedule.