Misplaced Pages

#12987

84-666: The Aermacchi M-346 Master is a family of military twin-engine transonic advanced jet trainers and light combat aircraft . Originally co-developed with Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130 , the partnership was dissolved in 2000 and then Alenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master, while Yakovlev continued work on the Yakovlev Yak-130 . The first flight of the M-346 was performed in 2004. The type

168-581: 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

252-527: 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

336-649: A great circle route. Hence, in case of an engine failure in a twinjet (like Boeing 777 ), the twin-jet could make emergency landings in fields in Canada , Alaska , eastern Russia , Greenland , Iceland , or the British Isles . The Boeing 777 has also been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for flights between North America and Hawaii , which is the world's longest regular airline route with no diversion airports along

420-518: A podded engine usually mounted beneath, or occasionally above or within, each wing. Most notable examples of such a configuration are the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 . The second has one engine mounted on each side of the rear fuselage, close to its empennage , used by many business jets , although some airliners like the Fokker 70 , Douglas DC-9 and COMAC ARJ21 utilise such a design as well. In

504-493: A 12.7 mm gun pod, reconnaissance and targeting pods, and electronic warfare pods; weapon aiming is performed using the Helmet Mounted Display and the multifunction displays. All main systems are duplicated, and the flight system reconfigurable, to increase survivability and functionality in the event of battle damage being sustained. The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,375 nautical miles when outfitted with

588-709: A contract was signed between Alenia Aermacchi and the Israeli Ministry of Defence to supply 30 M-346s, with the first delivery expected in the middle of 2014. The Israeli Air Force announced on 2 July 2013 that in Israeli service the M-346 would be named the Lavi , reusing the name given to the cancelled IAI Lavi . The IAF's first M-346 was rolled out in a ceremony at Alenia Aermacchi's factory in Venegono Superiore on March 20, 2014. On 23 December 2013, it

672-586: A maximum of three external fuel tanks, this can be extended via in-flight refuelling via a removable refuelling probe. In 2007, it was reported that the Italian Air Force intended to initially acquire a batch of 15 low rate production M-346s. On 18 June 2009, Alenia Aermacchi announced they had received an order for the first six with an option for nine more. In September 2015, the Italian Air Force started their first training course using

756-553: 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

840-492: A press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence on 28 September 2010, ST Aerospace was awarded the contract to acquire twelve M-346 and a ground-based training system on behalf of RSAF. As stipulated in the contract, ST Aerospace acts as the main contractor in the maintenance of the aircraft after delivery by Alenia Aermacchi while Boeing supplies the training system. The RSAF holds the distinction of being

924-484: A requirement to augment and replace its Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-29 , Sukhoi Su-25 , and Aero L-39 Albatros jets. The number of aircraft to be purchased is between 10 and 25 (10 plus an option for 15). Azerbaijani military leaders also considered the Yak-130 for the trainer requirement but selected the M-346 despite its higher price because of its lighter weight and higher maneuverability and problems with manufacturing of

SECTION 10

#1732779975013

1008-836: A single square meter by installing a low-observability kit which has been developed for the type. Other self-protection systems that can be fitted include a Defensive-Aids Support System (DASS) which includes Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Chaff and Flares Dispensers (C&FD). The high-end, net-centric communication suite of the M-346FA includes secure comms and Tactical Datalink, both NATO and non-NATO. The combat capable M-346FA can perform ground attack, homeland defence and air policing missions and reconnaissance. Various munitions and stores can be carried, including IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets,

1092-408: A specified distance from an available diversion airport. Overwater flights near diversion airports need not be ETOPS/LROPS-compliant. Since the 1990s, airlines have increasingly turned from four-engine or three-engine airliners to twin-engine airliners to operate transatlantic and transpacific flight routes. On a nonstop flight from America to Asia or Europe, the long-range aircraft usually follows

1176-541: A trijet aircraft) and Boeing worked on new widebody twinjet designs that would become the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 , respectively. The MD-11's long range advantage was brief as it was soon nullified by the Airbus A330-300 and the extended-range Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 777-200ER. The Airbus A320 twinjet stands out as the most produced jet airliner. The Boeing 777X is the world's largest twinjet, and

1260-494: A wide-ranging $ 1.68 billion security agreement that include the procurement of 10 M-346 aircraft and the establishment and operation of a flight school for the Hellenic Air Force by Elbit Systems , including provisions for simulators, training and logistic support. The M-346 is designed for the main role of lead-in fighter trainer, in which aircraft's performance and capabilities are used to deliver pilot training for

1344-699: Is a turbofan -powered military trainer aircraft designed and produced by the Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo S.p.A. 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

1428-561: Is also present, which is integrated with functions such as the navigation system. The communication systems include VHF / UHF transceivers, IFF transponder, and Mid-air Collision Avoidance System (MIDCAS), and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). A key feature of the M-346 is the Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS). The ETTS is capable of emulating various equipment, such as radar, targeting pods, weapons, and electronic warfare systems; additionally,

1512-438: Is currently operated by the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Qatar, Turkmenistan and Poland. Since 2016 the manufacturer became Leonardo-Finmeccanica as Alenia Aermacchi merged into the new Finmeccanica, finally rebranded as Leonardo in 2017. In 1992, Aermacchi signed a cooperation agreement with Yakovlev to provide financial and technical support for the new trainer that the firm had been developing since 1991 for

1596-410: Is employed, allowing for new equipment and systems to be incorporated and increasing the type's growth potential. The M-346's glass cockpit is representative of the latest generation cockpit and is compatible with Night Vision Goggles ; it has three color LCD multifunctional displays, a head-up display (also in the rear cockpit), and an optional Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) . A voice command system

1680-500: Is equipped with a multi-mode fire-control radar (Grifo M-346 by Leonardo Electronics) and a total of seven hardpoints , it is capable of carrying external loads up to 3,000 kg while maintaining a high thrust-to-weight ratio; stores management data can be presented upon any of the multifunction displays in the cockpit. The radar cross-section of the M346 in a standard configuration is reportedly 20 square meters; this can be reduced to

1764-609: Is expected to run into 2022. On July 12, 2024, a Polish Air Force M-346 Demo Team jet crashed during its flying display near Gdynia. Pilot Maj. Robert “Killer” Jeł lost his life in the crash. Alenia Aermacchi submitted the M-346 for the United States Air Force 's T-X program to replace the aging Northrop T-38 Talon , rebranding it as the Leonardo DRS T-100 Integrated Training System . Alenia originally intended to be

SECTION 20

#1732779975013

1848-474: Is not an issue, as one of the engines is more than powerful enough to keep the aircraft aloft (see below). Mostly, ETOPS certification involves maintenance and design requirements ensuring that a failure of one engine cannot make the other one fail also. The engines and related systems need to be independent and (in essence) independently maintained. ETOPS/LROPS is often incorrectly thought to apply only to long overwater flights, but it applies to any flight more than

1932-518: The 777X in November 2013, while then-CEO Fabrice Brégier preferred to focus on product improvement rather than all-new concepts for 10 years. It would have a 10-abreast economy like the 777; its 565 m (6,081 sq ft) wing, slightly more than the 747-8, would have an 80 m (262 ft) span, as wide as the A380 , for a 892,900 lb (405 t) MTOW compared to 775,000 lb (352 t) for

2016-694: The Argentine Air Force also evaluated the M-346 as a potential combat fighter to replace the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 aircraft it had retired in 2015, as well as the Douglas A-4AR aircraft that remain in service with only limited capability. Argentina is speculated to be interested in 10 to 12 aircraft. On 20 February 2020, the president of Azerbaijan announced that the country would buy an undisclosed number of M-346s. The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force has

2100-399: The Boeing 777 , Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 have matched or surpassed older quad-jet designs such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 in these aspects, and twinjets have been more successful in terms of sales than quad-jets. In 2012, Airbus studied a 470-seat twinjet competitor for the Boeing 747-8 with lower operating costs expected between 2023 and 2030, revived after Boeing launched

2184-549: The Dubai Airshow , crashed after departing Dubai on return to Italy. The Advance European Pilot Training (AEPTJ) program – unofficially called Eurotraining – a consortium of 12 European nations to give advance & lead-in fighter training with a common core course and training provided by a common aircraft – has contacted Alenia Aermacchi through the European Defence agency in 2010, for further information on

2268-545: The Irish Defence Forces . Currently, the Irish Air Corps has a very limited air combat capability with eight Pilatus PC-9M training/light attack aircraft. The M-346FA could be a cheaper alternative to more expensive fighters and would be Ireland's first combat jet aircraft since the retirement of the six Fouga CM.170 Magister aircraft in 1999. In comparison to Ireland's current air combat capability,

2352-560: 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;

2436-725: 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

2520-584: The Russian Air Force in competition with the Mikoyan MiG-AT . Aermacchi also gained the right to modify and market the aircraft for the Western market. The resulting aircraft first flew in 1996 and was brought to Italy the following year to replace the aging MB-339 . By this point, the aircraft was being marketed as the Yak/AEM-130 . In February 1996, Russia provided initial funding for

2604-424: 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;

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master - Misplaced Pages Continue

2688-653: 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

2772-753: The 777-200LR variant has the world's second longest aircraft range (behind Airbus A350-900 ULR). Other Boeing twinjets include the 767 , 757 (With the latter having stopped production, but still in commercial service) and 787 . Competitor Airbus produces the A320 family , the A330 , and the A350 . Some modern commercial airplanes still use four engines ( quad-jets ) like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 , which are classified as very large aircraft (over 400 seats in mixed-class configurations). Four engines are still used on

2856-432: The 777X, with a composite structure for an operating empty weight of 467,400 lb (212 t), and a 8,150 nmi (15,090 km) range at Mach 0.85. When flying far from diversionary airports (so called ETOPS/LROPS flights), the aircraft must be able to reach an alternate on the remaining engine within a specified time in case of one engine failure. When aircraft are certified according to ETOPS standards, thrust

2940-601: The ETTS can interface with various munitions and other equipment actually being carried on board. The system can act in a standalone mode, in which simulated data and scenario information, with threats and targets, is loaded prior to takeoff, or in a network, during which data is received and acted upon in real time from ground monitoring stations via the aircraft's datalink . The ETTS can generate realistic Computer Generated Forces (both friend and foe). For post-mission evaluation and analysis purposes, accumulated data, such as video from

3024-614: The Greek Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become a partner in the programme, followed by an industrial cooperation agreement between Aermacchi and Hellenic Aerospace Industry in 2006. In March 2008, the Chilean ENAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alenia Aermacchi at the FIDAE air show. On 10 April 2008, the first Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP-00) aircraft, produced in

3108-757: The Italian Air Force's aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori unveiled the M-346 as its new aircraft to replace the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN , alongside a new livery designed by Pininfarina . In July 2010, the M-346 was selected by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to replace the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France. In

3192-732: The M-346 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), was offered to Poland; this reportedly included a capability of operating the Brimstone air-to-ground missile. The armed variant is under development, designated M-346FA. The first pre-series aircraft has flown from Venegono airfield in July 2020. In February 2016, the newly created, consolidated Leonardo-Finmeccanica company promoted the Aermacchi M346 in two new roles: companion training and dissimilar air combat training. In order to better replicate

3276-484: The M-346 to NATO countries, among others. The M-346 is a highly modified version of the aircraft that was being developed under the joint venture. It uses equipment exclusively from Western manufacturers, such as the digital flight control system being developed by a collaboration between Teleavio, Marconi Italiana and BAE Systems . In July 2000, Aermacchi selected the Honeywell F124 turbofan engine to power

3360-559: The M-346 trainer. In March 2016, Finmeccanica signed a contract worth over 300 million Euros with the Italian Ministry of Defence for nine M-346, bringing the number of aircraft ordered by Italy to 18. In February 2018, the Italian Air Force received its 18th M-346, concluding the force's acquisition program. In 2019, four more M-346 were delivered to the newly formed Italian Air Force/Leonardo International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Galatina Air Base . On 12 September 2024,

3444-541: The M-346. In May 2013, Alenia Aermacchi announced that the AEPTJ held a low priority for the firm and that "...progress has been slow." On 11 May 2013, an Alenia-operated M-346 crashed near the village of Piana Crixia , in Val Bormida, between the provinces of Cuneo and Savona , Italy, during a test flight. The pilot was able to eject successfully and survived the crash, but received serious injuries after jumping from

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master - Misplaced Pages Continue

3528-471: The M-346FA would be considered by many to be a step up, introducing features such as air-to-air missiles and onboard radar. Data from Alenia Aermacchi; Leonardo General characteristics Performance Armament Avionics Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Twinjet There are three common configurations of twinjet aircraft. The first, common on large aircraft such as airliners, has

3612-477: The Polish Air Force (PLAF). This was initially scheduled to be completed by November 2016. In March 2018, Poland signed for an additional four M-346s and support package, plus options for a further four aircraft, and a support package. In December 2018, Poland signed for the additional four aircraft, as well as upgrades to the existing fleet of eight. Deliveries and upgrade work for the total of 16 M-346

3696-516: 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

3780-556: The Yak/AEM-130 and pledged to purchase up to 200 aircraft for the Russian Air Force. In October 1998, it was reported that the venture was increasingly becoming an Italian-led effort due to a lack of financial support on the part of Russia. By July 2000, Aermacchi held a 50% stake in the development programme, and Yakovlev and Sokol had a 25% share each. In mid-2000, it was announced that differences in priorities between

3864-457: 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

3948-484: The course of the previous five months, during which over 3,300 test points were completed. In the advanced jet trainer role, the original M-346 model is unarmed; however, in November 2015, it was reported that Alenia Aermacchi was close to finalising a combat-capable dual-role variant of the aircraft. During late 2017, a series of armed tests involving the AIM-9L missiles took place. In 2015, an armed variant, designated as

4032-457: 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

4116-653: The engines for Yak-130. In July 2024, during the 2024 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow , Leonardo presented and offered to Brazil the new variant Block 20, as a candidate for the Brazilian Air Force 's process of selection for a light attack jet to replace the older AMX attack jet. The aircraft was evaluated by the MoD minister José Múcio and the air force commander Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno . In November 2024, during

4200-437: The final configuration (new landing gear and air brake , more composite parts), was rolled out. On 18 December 2008, Aermacchi announced that the M-346 had attained a maximum speed of Mach 1.15 (1,255 km/h, 678 knots, 780 mph), claiming the occasion to be the first in which an all-Italian built aircraft had broken the sound barrier in 50 years. In May 2008, Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on

4284-418: 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

SECTION 50

#1732779975013

4368-562: The first export customer for the type. On 16 February 2012, the M-346 was selected by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in an exchange deal, in which Israel will build a reconnaissance satellite and AWACs systems for Italy in return for the planes. It will operate as the IAF's main training jet to replace the McDonnell Douglas A-4H/N Skyhawk , which has served the IAF for over 40 years. On 19 July 2012,

4452-560: 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

4536-427: The flight performance and behavior of various enemy aircraft, both the g-force and angle of attack can be independently selected in the flight control system; reportedly, existing customers have stated the type to be well suited to the aggressor role. Leonardo has offered the M-346 for Companion Training and Adversary/Red Air roles. In January 2021, Israeli and Greece ministers of defence announced plans to establish

4620-400: The flight performance of various fighter aircraft operated by trainee pilots or to progressively increase difficulty levels, thus raising the training's effectiveness. A pilot activated recovery system (PARS) is present which, when pressed, conducts an automatic recovery by returning the aircraft to a steady and level flight path. A digital avionics system, modelled on its counterparts on board

4704-530: The introduction of ETOPS rules that allowed twin-engine jets to fly long-distance routes that were previously off-limits to them, Airbus was able to further develop the A300 as a medium- to long-range airliner to increased sales; Boeing launched its widebody twinjet, the Boeing 767 , in response. In the 1980s the Boeing 727 was discontinued, as its central engine bay would require a prohibitively expensive redesign to accommodate quieter high-bypass turbofans, and it

4788-449: The largest cargo aircraft capable of transporting outsize cargo , including strategic airlifters . Twin-jets tend to be more fuel-efficient than trijet (three engine) and quad-jet (four engine) aircraft. As fuel efficiency in airliners is a high priority, many airlines have been increasingly retiring trijet and quad-jet designs in favor of twinjets in the twenty-first century. The trijet designs were phased out first, in particular due to

4872-497: The latest generation of combat fighter aircraft. Powered by a pair of Honeywell F124 turbofan dry engines, designed to reduce acquisition and operating costs, it is capable of transonic flight without using an afterburner ; Alenia Aermacchi has claimed that the M-346's flight performance to be "second only to afterburner-equipped aircraft". During the design process, the twin concepts of "design-to-cost" and "design-to-maintain" were adhered to, reducing acquisition and operational costs;

4956-628: The latest generation of military aircraft such as the Saab JAS-39 Gripen , the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Eurofighter Typhoon, is incorporated, making it suitable for all stages of advanced flight training and thus reducing the use of combat aircraft for training purposes,”downloading” flight hours from Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) to Pilot Training Unit. A modular avionics architecture

5040-409: 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,

5124-669: The marketing, sales, training and support of two Aermacchi trainer aircraft, the M-346 and the M-311 . On 20 June 2011, a Military Type Certification was granted to Alenia Aermacchi for the M-346 Master by the General Directorate for Aeronautical Armaments of the Italian Ministry of Defence in Rome . Throughout the certification process, the M-346 development aircraft made 180 test flights, totalling 200 flights across

SECTION 60

#1732779975013

5208-410: The more complicated design and maintenance issues of the middle engine mounted on the stabilizer. Early twinjets were not permitted by ETOPS restrictions to fly long-haul trans-oceanic routes, as it was thought that they were unsafe in the event of failure of one engine, so quad-jets were used. Quad-jets also had higher carrying capacity than comparable earlier twinjets. However, later twinjets such as

5292-399: The optimized aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft, provides for full manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle of attack (in excess of 30° degrees). The flight control system, incorporating a HOTAS design philosophy, is equipped with adjustable angle of attack and g-force limitations; when combined with its wide performance envelope, this allows the M-346 to effectively mimic

5376-438: The optional Helmet Mounted Display , can be extracted and reviewed. Leonardo also offer an Integrated Training System (ITS), combining the M-346 with a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) - composed of academic training devices, simulators, mission planning and training management systems - and full logistic service as part of a wider syllabus towards qualifying pilots. The M-346, in the multirole Fighter Attack variant (M-346FA),

5460-442: The order involved delivery of 48 aircraft to be used for pilot training and light attack duties. A final request for proposals in 2010 had set the requirement at 20 trainers, 20 aircraft for combat duties, and the remainder would go toward the creation of an aerobatic team. However, by January 2010, negotiations to sign a contract had reportedly stalled over specifications. On 18 November 2011, the prototype, which had been on display at

5544-496: The per flying hour costs of the M346 are reportedly one-tenth of those of the Eurofighter Typhoon . Outside of the training role, the M-346 was designed from the onset to accommodate additional operational capabilities, including combat missions such as close air support and air policing duties. The M-346 incorporates a full-authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system which, in combination with

5628-554: 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

5712-678: The prime contractor, anticipating moving the final assembly location from Italy to the United States if the bid succeeded. About 350 aircraft were expected to be ordered, with further purchases leading to over 1,000 aircraft being purchased overall. In January 2013, Alenia Aermacchi signed a letter of intent with General Dynamics C4 Systems, who intended to serve as the prime contractor for the T-X bid; however, General Dynamics announced their withdrawal in March 2015. On January 1, 2016, Alenia Aermacchi

5796-517: 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

5880-432: 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,

5964-677: The requirement that an aircraft be able to continue a takeoff if an engine fails after the takeoff decision speed is reached. Thus, with all engines operating, trijets must be able to produce at least 150% of the minimum thrust required to climb and quad-jets 133%. Conversely, since a twinjet will lose half of its total thrust if an engine fails, they are required to produce 200% of the minimum thrust required to climb when both engines are operating. Because of this, twinjets typically have higher thrust-to-weight ratios than aircraft with more engines, and are thus able to accelerate and climb faster. Alenia Aermacchi M-311 The Aermacchi M-345

6048-601: 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

6132-694: The third configuration both engines are within the fuselage, side-by-side, used by most fighters since the 1960s. Later fighters using this configuration include the Su-27 'Flanker', the F-15 Eagle , and the F-22 Raptor . The first twinjet to fly was the German fighter prototype Heinkel He 280 , flying in April 1941 with a pair of nacelled Heinkel HeS 8 axial-flow turbojets. The twinjet configuration

6216-411: The time the M-346 had a flyaway cost of $ 25 million, but Raytheon wanted Leonardo to reduce that by 30%. On 8 February 2017, Leonardo confirmed that it would remain in the T-X competition alone, with Leonardo DRS , its American subsidiary, serving as prime contractor. In September 2017, it was announced that the T-X program had selected the rival Boeing T-7 Red Hawk submission instead. In October 2016,

6300-627: The tree where his parachute had been entangled. The type was grounded for more than three months while the cause of the crash was investigated. In July 2021, Leonardo made a submission to the Irish Commission on the Defence Forces presenting the M-346FA as a light multi-role fighter and advanced trainer for the Irish Air Corps . The commission has multiple tasks, including determining the future capability requirements for

6384-528: The two firms, and a lack of financial backing from the programme's Russian participants, had brought about an end to the partnership and that each firm would pursue development of the aircraft independently; Yakovlev received US$ 77 million for technical documents of the aircraft. Yakovlev would be able to sell the Yak-130 to countries such as those in the Commonwealth of Independent States , India, Slovakia and Algeria, while Aermacchi would be able to sell

6468-450: The type in place of the originally intended Lotarev DV-2S powerplant. In 2004, a contract for the development of a full-mission simulator for the M-346 was awarded to CAE . Further production contracts for CAE's full-mission simulator have since been issued. On 7 June 2003, the first M-346 prototype rolled out; ground testing commenced shortly thereafter. On 15 July 2004, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight . In January 2005,

6552-833: The visit to Brazil by the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni , she will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the sale of 24 M-346s to the Brazilian Air Force, other six aircraft to the Brazilian Navy , and other related accords. The M-346 was named the winner of a competition by the United Arab Emirates at the IDEX 2009 defense show in Abu Dhabi on 25 February 2009. The official said

6636-450: The way. On large passenger jets, the cost of the engines makes up a significant proportion of the plane's final cost. Each engine also requires separate service, paperwork, and certificates. Having two larger engines as opposed to three or four smaller engines will typically significantly reduce both the purchase and maintenance costs of a plane. Regulations governing the required thrust levels for transport aircraft are typically based upon

6720-473: Was absorbed into Leonardo S.p.A. In February 2016, it was announced that Raytheon , which would serve as the prime contractor, had teamed up with Leonardo to offer an advanced variant of the M-346 for the T-X program called the T-100. On 25 January 2017, Raytheon announced that it had withdrawn as prime contractor and American partner in the T-X competition. One of the sticking points had been price per unit: at

6804-417: Was announced that Poland had selected the M-346 to meet a requirement for an advanced jet trainer. A contract for eight aircraft was signed on 27 February 2014. The first two M-346s arrived at Dęblin in November 2016. The aircraft were initially not officially accepted due to non-compliance with contract specifications. The delivery deadline was originally November 2016, but delays meant delivery and acceptance

6888-537: Was not complete until 22 December 2017. In December 2017, Poland's Ministry of National Defence announced it was seeking financial penalties from Leonardo of up to 100 million zlotys (U.S. $ 28 million) over the delays. Additionally, the ministry had complained that the M-346 was not fully capable of simulating certain weapon systems for training purposes. On 19 November 2018, Leonardo's Aircraft Division together with Elbit Systems completed delivery of M-346 Full Mission Simulators (FMS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD) to

6972-656: Was soon supplanted by twinjets for the narrow-body market; Airbus with the A320 , and Boeing with the 757 and updated "classic" variants of the 737 . During that decade only McDonnell Douglas continued development of the trijet design with an update to the DC-10 , the MD-11 , which initially had a range advantage over its closest medium wide-body competitors which were twinjets, the in-production Boeing 767 and Airbus A300/A310. In contrast to McDonnell Douglas sticking with their existing trijet configuration, Airbus (which never produced

7056-484: Was used for short-range narrow-bodied aircraft such as the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 737 . The Airbus A300 was initially not successful when first produced as a short-range widebody, as airlines operating the A300 on short-haul routes had to reduce frequencies to try and fill the high-capacity aircraft, and lost passengers to airlines operating more frequent narrow-body flights. However, after

#12987