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38-689: It is a development of the SIAI-Marchetti S.211 . On 29 December 2016, the M-345 performed its maiden flight ; one month later, the first order for the type was placed by the Italian Air Force . The first production-standard M-345 was flown from Venegono Superiore in December 2018; and entered service in December 2020 replacing MB-339 . During 1997, Italian aircraft manufacturer Aermacchi acquired SIAI-Marchetti ; this purchase included

76-579: A digital moving map , stores management system, and an embedded simulation capability (Embedded Tactical Training System - ETTS - identical to that offered on the M-346). The latter is able to simulate a tactical scenario with threats and targets, presence of realistic Computer Generated Forces (CGF), on-board sensors (multimode Fore Control Radar, targeting pod and active/passive electronic countermeasures), weapons. Conventional ailerons are hydraulically boosted , with provisions for manual reversion, while both

114-473: A glass cockpit and modern avionics have been installed. It is furnished with a retractable tricycle landing gear , powered by a single Williams FJ44 -4M-34 turbofan engine. As a basic trainer, the M-345 is designed to complement the Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainer. It has been designed with a secondary close air support capability, being furnished with four underwing hard points . Both

152-419: A tactical air navigation system (TACAN) and identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder . Operators can choose to have their S-211s outfitted with modern glass cockpits . The S-211's single JTI5D-4C engine provides a maximum thrust output of 11.12 kN (2,500 lbs) and a specific fuel consumption of 0.57 lb/h/lb. This powerplant facilitates a maximum speed of 414 knots at 25,000 ft and

190-561: A memorandum of understanding with South African defense company Paramount Group to evaluate and develop a combat-orientated model of the M-345 to suit the requirements of prospective African customers. The M-345 first flew on 29 December 2016. The first production-standard M-345 was flown from Venegono Superiore in December 2018; at this point, service entry with the Italian Air Force was anticipated to occur during 2020. In December 2020, into entered service. In December 2020

228-479: A new basic trainer aircraft. SIAI-Marchetti planned to offer the type to the company's existing customer base, consisting of various air forces around the world that operated their SF.260 , a piston-engined trainer. The programme's existence was announced in Paris in 1977. Reportedly, customer interest was strong enough to justify the construction of two prototypes , the first of which flew on 10 April 1981. In 1983,

266-452: A nominal operating pressure of 200 bar (3,000 psi). The electrical system consists of a 28V DC supply, powered by an engine-driven generator , an AC supply for instruments and avionics is provided via a pair of inverters . To facilitate engine start-up and accommodate emergency situations, the aircraft is outfitted with a nickel - cadmium battery unit. For greater crew comfort, an automatically adjusting environmental control system

304-399: A rate of climb of 5,100 ft per minute. Fuel is housed internally within both the integral wing tank and a bladder cell within the fuselage, accommodating a combined 955 L (210 U.S. gal). For greater range, a maximum of two drop tanks can be installed upon the inner hard points of the wing, each having a capacity of 323 L (71 U.S. gal). Fuel is transferred between the various tanks and to

342-520: Is a turbofan -powered military trainer aircraft designed and originally marketed by Italian aviation manufacturer SIAI-Marchetti . SIAI-Marchetti started to develop the S-211 in 1976 as a private venture initiative, announcing its existence during the following year. In April 1981, the first prototype performed its maiden flight . The Singapore Air Force placed the first order for ten aircraft in 1983. Some 60 aircraft have been sold to air forces around

380-421: Is a compact two-seat shoulder-wing monoplane , possessing a full aerobatic capability. It is furnished with a retractable tricycle landing gear and is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D -4C turbofan powerplant. The S-211 has been principally used as a basic trainer aircraft, the student and instructor being seated in a tandem arrangement. The front and rear cockpits are fully duplicated,

418-638: Is installed. It uses a non- ozone -depleting vapour cycle for cooling, which is combined with bleed air drawn from the engine for heat and pressurisation alike. The avionics of the S-211 were designed to be customisable, allowing the manufacturer to accommodate a customer's various mission requirements. In a typical configuration, the aircraft would be provided a VHF / UHF communications suite, multiple navigation systems, such as an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), horizontal situation indicator , automatic direction finding (ADF), VHF omnidirectional range and instrument landing system (VOR-ILS),

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456-556: The Italian Air Force (IAF). The service has a requirement for up to 45 aircraft to replace Aermacchi MB-339s used in both the basic training role and by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. In June 2019, Italy placed a follow-on order for an additional 13 M-345s, bringing the total up to 18. In May 2020, the M-345 achieved its initial military certification. During January 2021, the IAF inducted its first pair of M-345 trainers;

494-723: The M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer). During October 2014, it was announced that the Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine had been selected to power the in-development trainer, having overcome rivaling bids from both Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney . The company stated that Williams' engine has been selected due to its performance in the business aviation sector and with the Swedish Air Force 's re-engined fleet of Saab 105 trainers. Shortly thereafter, Alenia Aermacchi began installing

532-683: The Singapore Air Force placed the first order for the S-211, for ten aircraft. The S-211A was a slightly modified and updated variant of the S-211, was a losing contender in the United States Air Force 's Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft selection. Among the seven aircraft to enter, the Raytheon / Pilatus entry emerged as the winner, being produced as the T-6 Texan II . The S-211 team

570-423: The elevator and rudder are mechanically actuated via pushrods, with three-axis electrical trimming. Secondary flight controls are simple trailing edge flaps , which are electrically actuated, and a belly-mounted air brake , which is electrically controlled and hydraulically actuated. The 207bar (3,000 lb/in2) hydraulic system is used to operate the landing gear , wheel brakes, air brake and aileron boost;

608-521: The 1991 comedy Hot Shots! . Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Venegono Superiore Venegono Superiore is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Varese in the Italian region Lombardy , located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) northwest of Milan and about 9 kilometres (6 mi) southeast of Varese . Venegono Superiore borders

646-650: The 3,400 lb-thrust FJ44-4M onto its flight-test aircraft, replacing the existing P&W Canada JT15D units. In March 2015, Alenia and ENAER of Chile signed a memorandum of understanding, to explore the possibility of jointly manufacture and sell the M-345 HET in South America . On 1 June 2015, Alenia Aermacchi presented the M-345 to the DGA for the nascent French replacement program for its Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets . On 20 September 2018, Alenia Aermacchi signed

684-524: The AS-211. The program was initiated by Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Dela Cruz, the Group Commander of the 5th Tactical Fighter Group. This was followed by the "Project Falcon Uniform" program, which repainted the aircraft with a 2-tone light-and-dark ghost gray paint scheme along with low visibility markings, which reduces the aircraft's overall visibility. The "Project Falcon Hear" program involved

722-514: The S.211, the M-311 featured an advanced new cockpit, various structural enhancements (including the increased use of composite materials ) and a new powerplant in the form of the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan engine. The changes allowed for an extended fatigue life of 15,000 flight hours, increased intervals between overhauls and a reduced turnaround time between sorties. According to

760-454: The cockpit for ground operations in temperatures up to ISA +35 °C (95 °F); the presence of an On-Board Oxygen-Generation System (OBOGS) removes the need for oxygen bottles. The M-345's glass cockpit features various avionics and last generation Human-Machine Interface. Displays include three identical 5 x 7in (125 x 180mm) colour Multi-Function liquid-crystal Displays (MFD), a forward-mounted wide-angle Head-Up Display (HUD), while

798-455: The electrical system is DC with internal- battery engine start. The M-345 is suited for a two level maintenance concept, organizational and intermediate, for aircraft, equipment and system, whilst an on-board Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) enables data collection and monitoring, contributing to the long life of the airframe and simplifying maintenance activities. During January 2017, Italy placed an initial order for five M-345s for

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836-521: The engine via a double-ended turbine pump . Ground refuelling involves a single fill point present on the wing, which is fed either by gravity flow or by an optionally installed pressurised refuelling system. Since the 1990s, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been using its S-211 fleet both as a trainer and in offensive operations via secondary attack capability. These were redesignated as AS-211s and nicknamed as "Warriors". Following

874-416: The first prototype aircraft conducted its maiden flight . A second aircraft, which had previously been used as a technology demonstrator during the 1990s, incorporating most features of the envisioned production model, was also produced. By September of that year, the prototype had reportedly flown 30 flights, and was set to receive software upgrades to enhance its cockpit displays. During July 2006, one of

912-556: The first of 2 M-345 were accepted into service with the Italian Air Force, the first of the total order. At least 18 are on order, although the Air Force anticipates acquiring at least 45. The M-345 are replacing 137 MB-339 which entered service in the early 1980s. The Aermacchi M-345 is a compact twin-seat shoulder-wing monoplane trainer aircraft. It is based on the earlier S.211 and features structural and equipment improvements, and new systems. The airframe has been strengthened, while

950-465: The latter being elevated above the former to provide the occupant with improved forward visibility. The aircraft was designed to perform a secondary close air support (CAS) capability, being equipped with four underwing hard points , facilitating the carriage of various armaments and other external stores, including sensor apparatus and photographic equipment for undertaking aerial reconnaissance missions. Some models feature an additional hard point on

988-408: The manufacturer, the M-311's life-cycle costs could be brought into line with those of its turboprop rivals, the direct operating cost is only 5% higher despite a fuel-burn penalty of roughly 30%. Aermacchi's competitive analysis director Sergio Coniglio stated low maintenance costs shall be a decisive factor in the M-311's competitiveness against increasingly sophisticated competition. On 1 June 2005,

1026-567: The optimizing of air-ground communications on the AS-211 by upgrading and installing the AN/ARC-34 UHF radios from the F-5A/B. These aircraft were fitted with a belly-mounted gun pod , which was designed, developed and manufactured by Philippine company Aerotech Industries Philippines, Inc. (AIPI). Each gun pod is equipped with an M3 .50 cal machine gun, an automatic charger and approximately 240 rounds of .50 cal ammunition. In July 2022,

1064-552: The pilot and instructor, which are seated in a tandem configuration, are provided with Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls. Both crew are seated upon Martin-Baker -built Mk.IT16D 'zero-zero' ejection seats . The cockpit's internal dimensions have been increased to be broadly identical to those of the BAE Systems Hawk . The displays and all light sources have been selected for compatibility with night-vision goggles (NVG). The environmental control system cools

1102-565: The prototypes was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo . During mid-2006, the company announced that it had forecast demand for a production run of up to 350 M-311s by 2030. On 28 May 2008, Boeing and Alenia signed a joint agreement to cooperate on marketing, sales, training and product support for both the M-346 and M-311. During 2012, the M-311 was revised, updated and re-designated by Alenia Aermacchi as

1140-429: The rear position is provided with a full-sized HUD repeater via a fourth dedicated multifunction display. The integrated avionics suite includes dual mission computers, embedded Global Positioning System / inertial navigation system and Radar Altimeter (EGIR) , two V/UHF radios, integrated central Audio Warning , IFF Transponder , Traffic Alert System (TAS) , Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and, optionally,

1178-538: The remaining S-211s are being used for training as the FA-50s are brought into service. Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89 General characteristics Performance Armament Avionics Standard avionic fits for comms and navigation A privately owned S-211 was used to portray one of the fictional carrier-based "Oscar EW-5894 Phallus" tactical fighter bombers flown by US Navy pilots in

Aermacchi M-345 - Misplaced Pages Continue

1216-593: The retirement of the PAF's last Northrop F-5 fighters in 2005, the additional task of air defense has been assigned to its AS-211s. Because of this, the PAF initiated some improvements to the AS-211s to improve its combat capability through a series of programs and innovations. The first program was called "Project Falcon", which installed the Norsight Optical Sight previously fitted to withdrawn F-5s into

1254-598: The rights to the latter's S.211 , a jet-powered trainer aircraft. In 2004, the company announced its intention to develop an improved version of the S.211, then referred to as the M-311. At the time, Aermacchi was also developing the M-346 Master , which serves as a lead-in fighter trainer; considerably smaller than the M-346, the M-311 was intended to perform both the basic and advanced training syllabus, as well as tactical training functions, as an alternative to single-engined turboprop -powered competitors. Being based on

1292-751: The type will replace the MB-339A as the service's second and third phases of its pilot training programme. In December 2020, the M-345 entered service, replacing Aermacchi MB-339 and supplementing MB-346 Master . In 2022, 61° Stormo which was established over 75 years prior operating from Lecce-Galatina Air Base , operates M-345, MB-339A/CD and M-346s supports flight training for international flight school. Data from M-345 - Leonardo Company General characteristics Performance Armament Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era SIAI-Marchetti S.211 The SIAI-Marchetti S.211 (later Aermacchi S-211 )

1330-621: The type. In 2004, the company announced its intention to develop an improved version of the S-211, then referred to as the S-311, later as the M-345. At the time, Aermacchi was also developing the M-346 Master , which serves as a lead-in fighter trainer. While vaguely similar to the M-211, the M-346 is considerably larger and intended to perform both the basic and advanced training syllabus, as well tactical training functions, as an alternative to single-engined turboprop -powered competitors. The S-211

1368-435: The underside of the fuselage. The airframe is largely composed of several composite materials , which includes Kevlar , Nomex and carbon fibre , while extensive use of structural bonding was made during construction. The flight controls feature manually operated push-pull rod primary controls. Many other systems, such as the air brake , landing gear , compressor , and boosted ailerons , are hydraulically -actuated at

1406-489: The world. Following Aermacchi 's purchase of SIAI-Marchetti in 1997, the former has held the production rights to the type. An extensively redesigned and modernised derivative, the Aermacchi M-345 , has been developed by Alenia Aermacchi , and entered service in 2020. In 1976, Italian aircraft company SIAI-Marchetti began work on what would become the S-211. The project was undertaken as a private venture to develop

1444-560: Was initially partnered with American aircraft company Grumman . Following its merger with Northrop Corporation in 1994, SIAI-Marchetti worked with Northrop Grumman on the S-211A up until the selection. In 1997, rival Italian aviation firm Aermacchi acquired SIAI-Marchetti and thereby the S-211. According to Aermacchi, the acquisition would enable significant cost savings in production following consolidation to its Venegono Inferiore facility. Aermacchi has continued to seek customers for

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