EADS Mako/HEAT

The EADS Mako/HEAT is a stealthy, twin‑engine, very‑light jet developed by Airbus SE under the European Defence Agency’s Mako programme. Initiated in 2005, the project aimed to replace aging trainer and light‑attack aircraft for European air forces while providing a low‑cost platform for pilot training, reconnaissance and combat. First flight occurred on 28 March 2012 from Spain’s Getafe‑Air Base, demonstrating a clean, blended‑wing design and extensive use of carbon‑fiber composites that reduce radar cross‑section and lower structural weight. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turbofans, the Mako/HEAT offers a maximum speed of Mach 0.8, a service ceiling of 45 000 feet and a range of roughly 1 200 nautical miles, sufficient for both tactical strike missions and advanced jet‑training curricula. Integrated sensor suites include an electro‑optical/infrared turret, synthetic‑aperture radar and datalink capability, allowing real‑time targeting and network‑centred warfare. Although the programme was ultimately cancelled in 2017 due to budget constraints, the Mako/HEAT left a lasting impact by validating advanced composite construction, modular avionics and a versatile training/combat concept that influences later Airbus initiatives such as the H160M helicopter and the future T‑X trainer.