ITWL NeoX

The ITWL NeoX, produced by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), emerged from a joint research program that began in 2015 to replace aging trainer and light‑attack platforms in several allied air forces. First flight took place on 12 March 2018 from the institute’s test base in Albuquerque, and the type entered operational service with the Republic of Kalar in 2020. The NeoX blends a composite‑rich airframe with a modular avionics suite, allowing rapid reconfiguration between training, reconnaissance and precision‑strike roles. Its high‑lift, laminar‑flow wing and lightweight turbofan engine give a maximum speed of Mach 0.85 and a service ceiling of 45 000 feet while keeping fuel consumption 30 percent lower than comparable legacy jets. Advanced fly‑by‑wire controls, a glass cockpit featuring augmented‑reality displays, and an open‑architecture data link enable seamless integration with modern network‑centric warfare systems. The aircraft’s low acquisition cost and straightforward maintenance regime have made it attractive to emerging air forces seeking capability without the expense of fourth‑generation fighters. As a result, the NeoX is reshaping regional aviation markets, demonstrating how a university‑led design can achieve both technological relevance and strategic impact.

Air Force Institute of Technology

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