AERMACCHI M-345: THE EFFECTIVE MULTIROLE ARMED TRAINER
Leonardo’s new Aermacchi M-345 is the latest-generation training platform, ideally suited for the entire training syllabus, from basic to advanced phases. At the edge of its class in terms of performance, the M-345 is now entering service with its first
customer, the Italian Air Force.
The M-345 provides unrivalled training effectiveness, as part of a full Integrated Training System (ITS), which comprises also a complete Ground Based Training System (GBTS) with state-of-the-art simulators and computerbased training devices. An in-flight Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) suite, based on the one well proven on the bigger M-346 advanced Jet Trainer, can be easily integrated on-board. The Live Virtual Constructive capability, a ‘system of systems’ that integrates the real aircraft in-flight, ground simulators and virtual ‘friends’ or ‘enemies’ Computer Generated Forces (CGF) exposes future pilots to the most complex operational scenarios at the lowest costs.
In its Multirole Armed Trainer configuration, the new Aermacchi M-345, whilst maintaining its superior characteristics as a jet trainer, is ideally suited to be an effective light combat solution in evolving operational scenarios. The M-345 can carry out operational roles such as Close Air Support (CAS) / Counter Insurgency (COIN), Battlefield Air Interdiction (BAI), recce, air policing, slow mover intercept, thanks to its capability to employ air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, IR guided air-to-air missiles, gun pods, rockets and up to 500 lb class general-purpose bombs.
Looking at many African Air Forces’ modern requirements, the M-345 has been developed exploiting the full consolidated experience gained by Leonardo Aircraft in designing its wide family of successful trainers and light combat aircraft: those included SF.260W, MB.326, MB.326K and the MB.339, combat proven and successfully employed on the African continent.
Designed to be an affordable platform, performing a low operating cost, the M-345 is fitted with straightforward, essential systems for maximum safety and reliability with minimum maintenance needs. The result is a turbofan powered high efficiency trainer with multirole capabilities and life-cycle cost comparable with those of heavy turboprops, but with significantly improved performance. The Leonardo 345 system is suitable to be supported through cooperation with local industry: operators benefit from a two-level maintenance concept (Organisational and Intermediate) for aircraft, equipment and systems, whilst an on-board Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) enables data-collection and monitoring.
Despite the complex moment, Leonardo Aircraft is fully committed to offer its multirole training platforms, bringing on the market the bigger, twin engine, M-346 in its Fighter Attack version. Equipped with a multi-mode radar (Leonardo Electronics’ Grifo-M346), the M-346FA is conceived to be a highly cost-effective, tactical solution for the modern battlefield: with an extensive range of air-to-air and air-ground weapons (also IR, radar, laser/GPS guided), gun, reconnaissance, target designation or electronic warfare pods, the M-346FA is self-protected by a full –Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS). After its maiden flight in the fully equipped configuration in July of this year, the M-346FA is moving toward the delivery to the first international customer.