T-X deal may eliminate Meridian

TUSKEGEE, Ala. - The home of the Tuskegee Airmen, who shattered aviation and racial barriers in WWII, will compete to become the manufacturing site for Italian-based Leonardo DRS to land the contract for building the Air Force’s new training jet. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Macon County officials announced March 30 that the state and community have put together a $100M incentive package to land Leonardo DRS in Alabama, should they be chosen by the AF to make the new trainer. At least four firms are competing for the T-X contract that's expected to be awarded this year. If successful, DRS would build a new factory at Moton Field, where the Tuskegee Airmen trained; and bring 750 jobs to the area. In a media event announcing the proposal, Bentley and DRS officials paid homage to the Tuskegee Airmen. Leonardo is offering its T-100 aircraft to the bid. (Source: Associated Press 03/30/17) Gulf Coast Note: The announcement may likely be a blow to Meridian, Miss., where Leonardo had planned to assemble the T-100 when it had partnered with former prime contractor Raytheon. Tuskegee is about 89 miles north of Fort Rucker, Ala., home to the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, and Army aviation training.