Curious about how global aerospace company Leonardo’s Alabama workforce would manufacture the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft if it’s picked for the role?
A fast-paced video from Leonardo DRS shows how T-100s would be manufactured at the Alabama facility.
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, led the delegation comprised of state and Macon County officials who traveled to Leonardo’s aircraft manufacturing facility in Venegono Superiore in mid-November.
While there, the Alabama group also received a briefing from Leonardo executives who said preparations for the Tuskegee manufacturing center are on track.
Secretary Canfield said the aircraft factory would have a massive economic impact on Macon County and the surrounding area.
“The T-100 factory would create an anchor for a new aviation manufacturing industry in Tuskegee with high-paying jobs and tremendous long-term growth prospects,” he said.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say the Leonardo facility would create new opportunities for citizens and businesses in Macon County that would change the trajectory of the entire region.”
HISTORIC LOCATION
Leonardo’s manufacturing center would be located at Moton Field, where the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilots trained during World War II.
Leonardo’s twin-engine M-346 aircraft is already being used to train pilots to fly next-generation fighter aircraft. The T-100 is based on the proven M-346, which has been selected for a training role by Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland.
Leonardo said its project in Tuskegee calls for the creation of 750 full-time jobs.
An Air Force decision on the trainer jet competition is expected next spring.
Read an interview with Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood on what the T-100 factory would mean for the area.
(By Jerry Underwood, courtesy Made in Alabama)
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