On Wednesday, November 16th Stavatti representatives Jeffrey E. Lay, Stuart E. Cart and Christopher R. Beskar met with Walter Benford, Command Country Manager for BG, ID, MF, NP, PI and VS with the Air Force Security Assistance Center located in Building 210, WPAFB. During the meeting Stavatti representatives provided a briefing to Mr. Benford regarding the Machete series of next generation turboprop and turbofan Close Air Support/Counter-Insurgency aircraft. The discussions focused upon the Machete series as a potential solution for South East Asia/Pacific Rim COIN, CAS and Advanced Trainer aircraft needs with specific emphasis being placed upon satisfying the future needs of Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

During the meeting with Mr. Benford the utility of the Machete series was realized and how it will offer significantly greater capability than the AT-6 Texan II. Furthermore, it appears that the Machete series could satisfy a host of needs throughout the Pacific Rim, be them a replacement to the OV-10 Bronco (SM- 27S/T Turboprop Machete), a replacement to the BAe Hawk (SM-27J/L Turbofan Machete) or a replacement/alternative to the F-5 and F-16 (SM-47S/T Super Machete).

Upon conclusion of the meeting, Stavatti representatives were also introduced to Richard E. Amos, Director-Pacific Branch, Air Force Security Assistance Center.