Leut.Aero T-20B IATA

[Spey_Phantom]

Back History.

the Leutonian Aerodynamics project T-20, dates back to 2002, when the leutonian air force was looking for a new advanced trainer to replace the 8 ex-german Alpha-Jets. the company offered the LAF a design for an advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft with 2 GE J85 engines mounted into 2 pods on top of the fuselage and was designated T-20A. however the LAF did not like the design and performance and decided to train its pilots in Canada and France. in 2006, there once again seemed interest to train its pilots in the home country, remembering the failure of the last offer, Leutonian Aerodynamics decided to reconfigure the design layout. the 2 top mounted engines were removed, and repaced with a single non-afterburning EJ200 engine. the nose was modified to include new electronics and systems and the fuselage and wings were shortened.

the T-20B IATA (Indigenous Advanced Training Aircraft) was roled out of the factory and revieled in december 2008. its performance was much improved, appears similar to the czech L-159B and Bae Hawk 100. the LAF picked the T-20B as the winner, beating of competition from the Alpha Jet NG, Hawk 124 and Yak-130. the first of a total of 18 planes, including 6 for the "Bleu Comets" demonstration team is expected to be delivered by June 2009.

the model:

model is (was) a revell minikit airbus A320, chopped up and fitted with some new parts. i actually converted it into a 1/144 trainer 4 years ago, but ended up in the grave yard. now its been digged up, rebuild and modified.

main new features include:
-canopy of a 1/144 Tornado Gr.1
-intakes made from half a 1/144 F-4E underwing droptank
-a EJ200 engine outlet from a scrapped 1/144 Eurofighter
-nose from a 1/144 Gripen

the wings are from the original minikit, just had to cut of a small section, i added tip-pods made from 0.5mm thick styrene rod. tail and stabilisers are also from the minikit. still need to paint it in the trainer or "bleu comets" colors.

[Ed S]

Now that is a real kitbash!  Clever idea and an interesting use of varied parts.  It should be interesting to see the finished model.

Ed

[Spey_Phantom]

Done.

the aircraft has now been painted, decaled and ready for delivery to the Leutonian Air Force Training Squadron