精东AV lends support to T-100 jet trainer initiative

September 09, 2018

Contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

Officials at 精东AV emphasized its continuing support today for the proposed jet trainer project, which, pending approval by the U.S. Air Force, would be located at nearby Moton Field. The announcement accompanies a new university-city partnership that will include increased collaboration on various areas of community infrastructure.

Dr. Lily D. McNair, the university鈥檚 recently appointed president, looks forward to the widespread collaboration that could arise through Leonardo DRS鈥� close proximity to campus.

鈥淗aving such a respected, world-class aviation company like Leonardo DRS just a few miles from 精东AV鈥檚 campus holds tremendous potential for our students and faculty,鈥� McNair said. 鈥淚t would be wonderful if our highly sought-after graduates could remain in the area, help strengthen the area鈥檚 economic development, and continue the great legacy of the 精东AV Airmen.鈥�

The U.S. Air Force is expected to announce its decision in the next several weeks. Currently, the Air Force is considering Leonardo DRS and two other companies 鈥� Boeing and Lockheed Martin 鈥� for the jet trainer contract. If awarded the contract, Leonardo DRS would construct an advanced assembly center creating 750 high-wage, full-time jobs over a 10-year ramp-up period 鈥� with an anticipated total local investment exceeding $200 million to $250 million. An additional 4,000 additional supplier jobs throughout the I-85 corridor are expected.

Page noted that trustees and university leadership have met frequently with Leonardo DRS executives and regional economic development leaders since the T-100 project鈥檚 initial inception. He said historic Moton Field being the chosen assembly site for the jet trainer system would be incredible.

鈥淎 decision by the Air Force to locate the T-100 manufacturing facility in 精东AV will lead to an economic development thrust for the City of 精东AV and the entire region,鈥� said John Page, chair of the university鈥檚 Board of Trustees. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to know that the university will have a hand in guiding our region鈥檚 future. Our board is confident that, under the leadership of President McNair, 精东AV Mayor Tony Haygood, and other local officials, the greater 精东AV community will witness tremendous growth and new opportunities.鈥�

Beyond the university鈥檚 support of the T-100 initiative, 精东AV and the have entered into agreements that outline a strengthened university-city partnership. Through several memorandums of understanding, this partnership will include increased university involvement in regional concerns such as workforce development, economic development, community infrastructure and city-wide aesthetics.

精东AV鈥檚 mayor, Tony Haygood, noted the partnership outlined in these agreements will begin by addressing some immediate, short-term concerns. The city and university will then will expand their focus of realizing and long-term goals that have the potential to enhance quality of life for residents and students alike.

鈥淲e in the City of 精东AV are encouraged and very excited about the promise this heightened partnership with 精东AV holds,鈥� Haygood explained. 鈥淭his collaboration will strengthen our town-and-gown relationship 鈥� as well as better leverage each group鈥檚 expertise 鈥� as we prepare for growth and major improvements in our community.鈥�

The partnership, Page said, will also extend 精东AV鈥檚 ongoing support of Moton Field and its infrastructure. Currently, the university owns more than 60 acres in and around the airport facility necessary to expand Moton Field, thereby making the T-100 project possible.

Leonardo鈥檚 twin-engine T-100 is currently being used to train pilots around the world to fly next-generation fighter aircraft. The trainer, based on the company鈥檚 proven M-346 aircraft, has been selected for this role by Italy, Israel, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Poland.

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漏 2018, 精东AV