Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master

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 Yakolev continued work on the Yakovlev Yak-130. The first flight of the M-346 was performed in 2004. The type is currently operated by the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Turkmenistan and Poland. Since 2016 the manufacturer became Leonardo-Finmeccanica as Alenia Aermacchi merged into the new Finmeccanica, finally rebranded as Leonardo in 2017.[1]

M-346 Master
An M-346FA carrying AIM-9 air-to-air missiles arrives at the 2017 Royal International Air Tattoo.
Role jet trainer and light combat aircraft.
National origin Italy
Manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi
Leonardo S.p.A.
First flight 15 July 2004
Introduction September 2015
Status In service
Primary users Italian Air Force
Israeli Air Force
Polish Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
Produced 2004–present
Developed from Yakovlev-Aermacchi Yak/AEM-130

Development

Background

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 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.[2] 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 the Yak/AEM-130 and pledged to purchase up to 200 aircraft for the Russian Air Force.[3]

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.[4] By July 2000, Aermacchi held a 50% stake in the development programme, and Yakovlev and Sokol had a 25% share each.[5] In mid-2000, it was announced that differences in priorities between 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.[6][7] 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 the M-346 to NATO countries, among others.[6]

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.[7] In July 2000, Aermacchi selected the Honeywell F124 turbofan engine to power the type in place of the originally intended Povazske Strojarne DV-2S powerplant.[5][8] In 2004, a contract for the development of a full-mission simulator for the M-346 was awarded to CAE.[9] Further production contracts for CAE's full-mission simulator have since been issued.[10]

Into flight
M-346 prototype 002 at Le Bourget airshow, 2005

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.[11]

In January 2005, 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.[12] In March 2008, the Chilean ENAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alenia Aermacchi at the FIDAE air show.[13]

On 10 April 2008, the first Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP-00) aircraft, produced in the final configuration (new landing gear and air brake, more composite parts), was rolled out.[14] 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.[15]

In May 2008, Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the marketing, sales, training and support of two Aermacchi trainer aircraft, the M-346 and the M-311.[16]

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 the course of the previous five months, during which over 3,300 test points were completed.[17]

Further development

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.[18] During late 2017, a series of armed tests involving the AIM-9L missiles took place.[19][20] In 2015, an armed variant, designated as the M-346 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), was offered to Poland; this reportedly included a capability of operating the Brimstone air-to-ground missile.[18][21]

The armed variant is under development, designated M-346FA. The first pre-series aircraft has flown from Venegono airfield in July 2020.[22]

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 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.[23] Leonardo has offered the M-346 for Companion Training and Adversary/Red Air roles.[24][25]

In January 2021, Israeli and Greece ministers of defence announced plans to establish 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.[26]

Design
An M-346 prototype in flight

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 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".[23] During the design process, the twin concepts of "design-to-cost" and "design-to-maintain" were adhered to, reducing acquisition and operational costs;[27] the per flying hour costs of the M346 are reportedly one-tenth of those of the Eurofighter Typhoon.[23] 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.[28]

The M-346 incorporates a full-authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system which, in combination with the optimized aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft, provides for full manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle of attack (in excess of 30° degrees).[27] 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 the flight performance of various fighter aircraft operated by trainee pilots or to progressively increase difficulty levels, thus raising the training's effectiveness.[23][27] A pilot activated recovery system (PARS)[24] is present which, when pressed, conducts an automatic recovery by returning the aircraft to a steady and level flight path.[28]

A digital avionics system, modelled on its counterparts on board 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,[27]”downloading” flight hours from Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) to Pilot Training Unit.[24] A modular avionics architecture 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),[24] and an optional Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD).[28][24] A voice command system 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),[28] and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).[24]

Head-on view of a M-346 on the ground, 2015

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, the ETTS can interface with various munitions and other equipment actually being carried on board.[23] The system can act in a standalone mode, in which simulated data and scenario information, with threats and targets,[24] 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.[27] The ETTS can generate realistic Computer Generated Forces (both friend and foe).[24] For post-mission evaluation and analysis purposes, accumulated data, such as video from the optional Helmet Mounted Display, can be extracted and reviewed.[23] 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[24] as part of a wider syllabus towards qualifying pilots.[27]

A M-346 of Israeli Air Force on display

The M-346, in the multirole Fighter Attack variant (M-346FA), is equipped with a multi-mode fire-control radar (Grifo M-346 by Leonardo Electronics)[24] 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.[28][29] The radar cross-section of the M346 in a standard configuration is reportedly 20 square meters; this can be reduced to 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, 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.[28] The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,375 nautical miles when outfitted with a maximum of three external fuel tanks, this can be extended via in-flight refuelling via a removable refuelling probe.[23][28]

Operational history

Italian Air Force
M-346 at RIAT 2009

In 2007, it was reported that the Italian Air Force intended to initially acquire a batch of 15 low rate production M-346s.[30] On 18 June 2009, Alenia Aermacchi announced they had received an order for the first six with an option for nine more.[31] In September 2015, the Italian Air Force started their first training course using the M-346 trainer.[32] 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.[33]

In February 2018, the Italian Air Force received its 18th M-346, concluding the force's acquisition program.[34] 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.[35]

Singapore Air Force

In July 2010, the M-346 was selected by 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.[36][37] In 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.[38][39][40] The RSAF holds the distinction of being the first export customer for the type.[23]

Israeli Air Force

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[41] for Italy in return for the planes.[42][43] 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.[44][45] On 19 July 2012, 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.[46] 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.[47] The IAF's first M-346 was rolled out in a ceremony at Alenia Aermacchi's factory in Venegono Superiore on March 20, 2014.[48]

Polish Air Force

On 23 December 2013, it was announced that Poland had selected the M-346 to meet a requirement for an advanced jet trainer.[49] A contract for eight aircraft was signed on 27 February 2014.[50] The first two M-346s arrived at Dęblin in November 2016.[51] The aircraft were initially not officially accepted due to non-compliance with contract specifications.[52] The delivery deadline was originally November 2016, but delays meant delivery and acceptance was not complete until 22 December 2017.[53]

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.[54] 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 the Polish Air Force (PLAF). This was initially scheduled to be completed by November 2016.[55]

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.[56][57] 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 is expected to run into 2022.[58][59]

United States Air Force
T-100 at Farnborough Airshow 2018

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 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.[60] 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.[61][62] On January 1, 2016, Alenia Aermacchi 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.[63]

On 25 January 2017, Raytheon announced that it had withdrawn as prime contractor and American partner in the T-X competition.[64] One of the sticking points had been price per unit: at the time the M-346 had a flyaway cost of $25 million, but Raytheon wanted Leonardo to reduce that by 30%.[65] 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.[66] In September 2017, it was announced that the T-X program had selected the rival Boeing T-7 Red Hawk submission instead.[67]

Others

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.[68] The official said 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.[69] On 18 November 2011, the prototype, which had been on display at the Dubai Airshow, crashed after departing Dubai on return to Italy.[70]

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 the M-346.[71] In May 2013, Alenia Aermacchi announced that the AEPTJ held a low priority for the firm and that "...progress has been slow."[72]

An M-346 at "Giornata Azzurra" 2006 at Pratica di Mare AFB, Italy

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 the tree where his parachute had been entangled.[73] The type was grounded for more than three months while the cause of the crash was investigated.[74]

In October 2016, 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-4R aircraft that remain in service with only limited capability. Argentina is speculated to be interested in 10 to 12 aircraft.[75]

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 a requirement to augment and replace its Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-25, and Aero L-39 Albatros jets.[76] The number of aircraft to be purchased is between 10 and 25 (10 plus an option for 15).[77] 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 the engines for Yak-130.[77]

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 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, the M-346FA would be considered by many to be a step up, introducing features such as air-to-air missiles and onboard radar.[78]

Variants
M-346FT multirole variant in 2016
M-346FA multirole variant in 2017
M-346
Designation for the basic type.
T-346A
Italian military designation from 2012 for the M-346.[79]
M-346LCA (Light Combat Aircraft)
Armed variant offered to Poland as a replacement for aging Su-22.[21] Designation no longer in use.[24]
M-346FT (Fighter Trainer)
Multirole variant capable of switching between training and combat operations. New features include a new tactical datalink system and different armament capability, but do not include physical changes to the hardware.[80]
M-346FA (Fighter Attack)
Multirole variant capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface combat with a 3 tonne payload spread over 7 hardpoints, advanced Grifo-M346 radar[24] radar, countermeasures and stealth features including engine intake grids and radar-absorbing coatings on the canopy and wing leading edge. It is being marketed as a light attack aircraft also suitable for aggressor and companion training purposes. The aircraft was revealed on June 18, 2017, in a static display at that year's Paris Air Show. The aircraft is being marketed for export to South American and East Asian countries, and is claimed to be able to carry out operational missions at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters.[81][82][83][84]
T-100
Designation used for the United States Air Force's T-X program.[60]

Operators
Operators of the M-346 (in blue)
 Azerbaijan
 Egypt
 Greece
 Israel
 Italy
  • Italian Air Force – 18 designated T-346A, deliveries completed February 2018.[34]
  • International Flight Training School (run by Italian Air Force and Leonardo) – 4 delivered as of May 2020.[95][96]
 Nigeria
 Poland
 Qatar
 Singapore
 Turkmenistan

Specifications (M-346)
Orthographic projection of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master
Orthographic projection of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master

Data from Alenia Aermacchi;[28] Leonardo[106][107]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 11.49 m (37 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)
  • Height: 4.76 m (15 ft 7 in)
  • Wing area: 23.52 m2 (253.2 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 4,900 kg (10,803 lb)
  • Gross weight: 6,700 kg (14,771 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 9,600 kg (21,164 lb) trainer[108]
  • Fuel capacity: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) internal
  • Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, 28 kN (6,300 lbf) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,090 km/h (680 mph, 590 kn) [108]
  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.95[11]
  • Stall speed: 176 km/h (109 mph, 95 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 1,470 km/h (910 mph, 790 kn) / M1.2
  • Range: 1,925 km (1,196 mi, 1,039 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 2,550 km (1,580 mi, 1,380 nmi) with 3 external drop tanks
  • Endurance: 2 hours 45 minutes (4 hours with external drop tanks)
  • Service ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft)
  • g limits: +8 -3
  • Rate of climb: 112 m/s (22,000 ft/min) [108]
  • Wing loading: 285 kg/m2 (58 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.84

Armament

Avionics

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. "Leonardo: filing of Articles of Association". www.leonardocompany.com. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  2. 1996-08-07T00:00:00+01:00. "Aermacchi proves Yak-130/AEM performance". Flight Global. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  3. "Yak/Aermacchi trainer funds released; Russia will buy up to 200." Aviation Week, 27 February 1996.
  4. "Italy studies the Yak/AEM-130 as Russia falters." Flight International, 21 October 1998.
  5. "F124 engine turns Yak-130 into the Aermacchi 346." Flight International, 25 July 2000.
  6. Butowski, Piotr (1 May 2002). "Russian military trainer strategy falls into place; the selection of the Yak-130 marks an important step towards replacing the country's aging fleet of L-39Cs. Things are moving in the simulator business, too". Interavia Business & Technology. Aerospace Media Publishing. ISSN 1423-3215. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  7. "Aermacchi assembles M-346 trainer team to replace Russians." Flight International, 1 August 2000.
  8. Doyle, Andrew. "Aermacchi may seek new engine for Yak-130." Flight International, 1 February 2000.
  9. CAE wins contract for the development and supply of Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 simulator (press release), 2004, archived from the original on 24 March 2006.
  10. "CAE wins defence contracts valued at approximately C$220 million." Archived 2016-03-05 at the Wayback Machine CAE, 8 April 2016.
  11. "Early Flights Achievement with the Aermacchi M-346 Advanced Trainer" (PDF). NATO Science and Technology Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  12. Peruzzi, Luca. "Greece’s HAI snatches stake in M346 trainer programme." Flight International, 24 January 2006.
  13. "Alenia Aermacchi e Lacilena Enaer siglano MOU per M.346 e M.311" [ENAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding], Dedalo news, IT, March 2008, archived from the original on 3 March 2009.
  14. Alenia Aermacchi Industrial Baseline Configuration roll outi (press release), IT: Aermacchi, 2008, archived from the original on 7 May 2008.
  15. "The Aermacchi M-346 advanced trainer breaks the sound barrier. After 50 years an all-Italian aircraft flies at Mach 1" (PDF) (Press release). Alenia Aermacchi. 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  16. "Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding", Defense News.
  17. "M-346 Master Gains Military Certification" Air Forces Monthly (Key Publishing), Issue 282, September 2011, pp. 10. ISSN 0955-7091. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  18. "Alenia Aermacchi sets dual-role path for M-346". Flight Global. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  19. "M-346 Master is flying with the AIM-9 replacement: the IRIS-T missile". The Aviationist. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  20. "airpressonline.it". www.airpressonline.it. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  21. "Radom Air Show 2015: Will the Armed Master Replace the Su-22?". Defence Aerospace. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  22. Staff, Blog Before Flight. "Leonardo's M-346 Fighter Attack embarks on maiden flight equipped with Grifo radar". Blog Before Flight - Aerospace and Defense News. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  23. Pocock, Chris. "Italian Jet Trainer Finds New Cost-Saving Roles." AIN Online, 13 February 2016.
  24. "Aerospace, Defence and Security". www.leonardo.com. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  25. "M-346 product page, Leonardo web site". www.leonardocompany.com. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  26. Shaham, Udi (5 January 2021). "Israeli and Greek governments set to sign expansive defense deal". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  27. "Alenia Aermacchi M-346." Alenia Aermacchi, 2014.
  28. "M-346 Master." Alenia Aermacchi, June 2012. Archived May 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  29. "Brochure Leonardo M-346FA" (PDF).
  30. "Finmeccanica to win govt order for 14 trainer aircraft – junior minister", Money, UK: ABC, archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
  31. Alenia Aermacchi (Finmeccanica) and Italian Ministry of Defence sign agreement to supply Six M-346s (PDF) (press release), Finmeccanica, 2009, archived from the original (PDF) on 11 July 2011.
  32. Kington, Tom. "Italy Launches M-346 Training With Eye on T-X Bid." Defense News, 12 September 2015.
  33. "Finmeccanica signs contract worth over 300 million Euros with the Italian Ministry of Defence for nine Aermacchi M-346 aircraft". www.leonardo.com.
  34. Jennings, Gareth (27 February 2018). "Italy receives final M-346 jet trainer". London. Archived from the original on 28 February 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  35. "Training at the Top". gbp.com.sg.
  36. "Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 wins Singapore jet trainer race". Jane's Information Group. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 19 July 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
  37. Govindasamy, Siva (8 July 2010). "Singapore to announce M-346 trainer selection". Flightglobal.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
  38. S, Ramesh (28 September 2010). "MINDEF awards contract to ST Aerospace to acquire 12 M-346 aircraft". Singapore: MediaCorp Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 29 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  39. "New Generation Advanced Fighter Trainer for the RSAF" (Press release). MINDEF. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  40. "New fighter trainer for RSAF". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. 28 September 2010. Archived from the original on 1 October 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  41. Israel delivers advanced G-550 aircraft to Italy 19 Dec, 2016, Globes correspondent
  42. Final plane in billion-dollar deal with Italy lands in Israel BY ILAN BEN ZION July 21, 2016, Times of Israel
  43. Israel to buy Italy's M-346 jet trainer for $1b Archived February 15, 2015, at the Wayback Machine 16/02/2012, 16:45
  44. Arie Egozi. "Israel selects Alenia Aermacchi M-346 for trainer deal". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  45. Katz, Yaakov (16 February 2012). "Italy wins IAF with combat trainer jet bid". JPost.
  46. "Alenia Aermacchi signs contract with Israeli MoD for 30 M-346" (Press release). Alenia Aermacchi. 19 July 2012. Archived from the original on 9 August 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  47. Egozi, Arie. "Israel's Lavi reborn as renamed M-346." Flight International, 2 July 2013.
  48. Hoarn, Steven (25 March 2014). "First Israeli M-346 Advanced Trainer Aircraft Rolls Out". Defense Media Network. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  49. "Poland pick M-346 for training deal", Flight global.
  50. "Podpisanie umowy na M-346 dla Sił Powietrznych" [Signing a contract for M-346 for the Air Force], Altair (in Polish), PL.
  51. "Poland's first M-346 trainers arrive in Deblin". flightglobal.com. 16 November 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  52. "Samoloty M-346 Master nadal uziemione". dlapilota.pl. 31 August 2017.
  53. "Master gotowe do lotu". dziennikzbrojny. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  54. Adamowski, Jaroslaw (20 December 2017). "Poland seeks penalty from Leonardo over M-346 trainers". Defense News. Warsaw. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  55. "Elbit delivers final M-346 training systems to Polish Air Force". airrecognition. 19 November 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  56. "Request Rejected". www.leonardo.com.
  57. Herk, Hans van. "Polish Air Force orders four more M346s". www.scramble.nl. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  58. Jennings, Gareth (14 December 2018). "Poland exercises option for four more M-346 jet trainers, to upgrade existing fleet". IHS Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 14 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  59. Perry, Dominic (14 December 2018). "Poland firms options for four more M-346 trainers". FlightGlobal. London. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  60. Trimble, Stephen (22 June 2010). "US Air Force, industry prepare for T-38 replacement". Flight global. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  61. "GD & Alenia Aermacchi join forces for USAF T‐X trainer competition", ASD news, archived from the original on 5 October 2013, retrieved 19 January 2013.
  62. Mehta, Aaron."GD Withdraws as T-100 Prime Contractor." Defense News, 27 March 2015.
  63. "Raytheon Team to Deliver Next-Generation Jet Trainer; Finmeccanica, CAE USA and Honeywell Join Raytheon to Provide Fully Integrated Solution." Raytheon Co., 22 February 2016.
  64. "Raytheon/Leonardo team withdraws from T-X competition". Raytheon. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  65. Tom Kington (26 January 2017). "Trainer Price Wars: Raytheon Wanted Millions Less Per Plane Than Leonardo". Defense News.
  66. "Leonardo returns to T-X competition alone". flightglobal.com. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  67. Insinna, Valerie (27 September 2018). "US Air Force awards $9B contract to Boeing for next training jet". Defense News.
  68. UAE chooses M-346 as advanced lead-in fighter trainer, Flight global, 25 February 2009.
  69. "UAE Reopens Talks To Buy T-50 Trainer", Defense News, archived from the original on 2 January 2013.
  70. O’Keeffe, Niall (18 November 2011). "Alenia Aermacchi M-346 crashes in UAE". Flightglobal. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  71. Peruzzi, Luca. "M-346 partners make case for Eurotraining deal." Flight International, 22 June 2010.
  72. Mirto, FM; La Caverna, L (May 2013), "The Italian Master", Air International, pp. 28–35.
  73. Cade aereo militare sperimentale salvo pilota (in Italian), IT: Ansa.
  74. Pocock, Chris. "M346 Jet Trainer Still Grounded After Second Crash." AIN Online, 9 August 2014.
  75. Jennings, Gareth (21 October 2016). "Argentina evaluates M-346 as potential combat fighter". IHS Jane's 360. London. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  76. "Azerbaijan to buy M-346 Master jet | Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  77. Dunai, Peter. "Azerbaijan Buys the M-346 as Caucasus Stand-off Continues". Aviation International News. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  78. Government document
  79. "Utilizzo della Nomenclatura 'Mission Design Series' (MDS) nelle Pubblicazioni Tecniche (PPTT) di Competenza della Daa" [Using the nomenclature 'Mission Design Series' (MDS) in Technical Publications (PTT) of competence of Daa] (PDF) (in Italian). IT: Ministero Della Defesa. June 2011.
  80. Tom, Kington (10 July 2016). "Leonardo-Finmeccanica Launches New Dual Role M-346FT". Defense News. Farnborough. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  81. Hoyle, Craig (18 June 2017). "PARIS: Leonardo takes wraps off M-346FA fighter". FlightGlobal. Paris, France. Archived from the original on 18 June 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  82. Shalal, Andrea; Blair, Edmund (18 June 2017). "Italy's Leonardo sees Asia, South American interest in M-346 attack fighter". Reuters. Paris. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  83. Allison, George (19 June 2017). "Leonardo introduces fighter attack version of the M-346 trainer". UK Defence Journal. Paris. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  84. "Leonardo Unveils Fighter Attack Version of M-346 Trainer jet At Paris Air Show 2017". Defense World. Paris. 19 June 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  85. Dunai, Peter. "Azerbaijan Buys the M-346 as Caucasus Stand-off Continues". Aviation International News. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  86. GDC (7 July 2021). "Azerbaijan acquires Leonardo M-346 advanced training aircraft". Global Defense Corp. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  87. GDC (29 August 2021). "Italian Leonardo Scored Major M-346 Trainer Deal From Egypt, Greece, Poland and Turkmenistan". Global Defense Corp. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  88. "Egypt−Italy defence sales navigate a complex course".
  89. "Egypt, Italy, Eurofighter Typhoons and M-346 trainers". 8 February 2021.
  90. "EGYPT : Egyptian Air Force in the market for new training aircraft - 01/03/2021". March 2021.
  91. "Italy-Egypt to sign mega defence deal soon".
  92. "Greece okays $1.68 billion defense deal with Israel". www.timesofisrael.com.
  93. "First M-346 Trainers Delivered To Greece".
  94. "Brig. Gen. Shmuel Tzuker of the Israeli Ministry of Defence visits Venegono for the delivery of the last of 30 Israeli M-346 aircraft". Leonardo. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  95. "Leonardo delivers first M-346 aircraft for Italian Air Force's IFTS". Air Force Technology. 19 February 2019. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  96. Jennings, Gareth (19 February 2019). "Leonardo delivers first 'international' M-346 to Italian Air Force". Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  97. "Nigeria To Buy M-346, Official Says | Aviation Week Network". aviationweek.com.
  98. "Nigeria Ordered 24 M-346FA Aircraft Worth $1.2 Billion". 7 May 2021.
  99. Herk, Hans van. "Polish Air Force M346 delivery". www.scramble.nl. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  100. Wilk, Remigiusz (16 January 2018). "Poland opts for additional Leonardo M-346 Master jet trainers". IHS Jane's 360. Warsaw. Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  101. "Aerospace, Defence and Security". www.leonardo.com. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  102. "Qatar receives M-346 jet trainers". Jane's. 26 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  103. "MINDEF Singapore".
  104. "ST Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi will deliver the last of the 12 M-346". Archived from the original on 3 September 2014.
  105. "Il Turkmenistan acquista in Italia". 24 May 2020.
  106. "M-346 Master Advanced Jet Trainer, Aggressor, Fighter" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 October 2020.
  107. "M-346 Master in training". Archived from the original on 7 October 2020.
  108. "Brochure M-346 Dual Role" (PDF). Leonardo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  109. "FN® HMP250 Pod".
  110. "NEW 20MM CANNON POD FOR M-346FA".
  111. "M-346 Master Advanced Fighter Trainer".
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aermacchi M-346.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.