M-346
The M-346 Master is the only new generation advanced/lead-in fighter trainer currently available in Europe. The aircraft is tailored to train pilots to fly new generation combat aircraft and is well suited for every phase of advanced and pre-operational training, to reduce the flight hours on the more expensive aircraft. The aircraft embodies the latest “design-to-cost” and “design-to-maintain” concepts, with avionics modelled upon those of new generation military aircraft such as Eurofighter, Gripen, Rafale, F-16, F-22 and the future JSF.
The M-346 features innovative design solutions. Vortex lift aerodynamics, together with the full authority quadruplex Fly-by-Wire control system, allow the aircraft to remain fully controllable at angles of attack over 35° degrees. With this technological achievement, Alenia Aermacchi confirms it can autonomously design and manufacture advanced aircraft with Fly-by-Wire controls. This, combined with the twin-engine configuration and thrust/weight ration close to 1, translates into safety levels unattainable by its competitors. The M-346 also integrates digital avionics with the ability to simulate sensors and threats in flight. These characteristics and its performance make the M-346 the world’s leading tactical pre-operational training aircraft.
The M-346 programme is attracting increasing interest from potential international customers and partners.
In addition to the Italian Air Force – which should soon sign the contract about the first bach of the M-346 trainer - and the United Arab Emirates - which selected the aircraft and that it had begun negotiations for the acquisition of 48 M-346- interesting opportunities exist on leading markets such as Singapore (where the M-346 is included in “Short List”), Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Ecuador, Qatar, Greece and Chile.
The Advanced European Jet Pilot Training programme still represents a great opportunity involving the air forces of nine countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, plus Italy itself).
TECHNICAL DATA
| Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| span | 9.72 m | 31.89 ft |
| length | 11.49 m | 37.70 ft |
| height | 4.98 m | (16,33 ft) |
| wing area | 23.52 sqm | 253.20 sqft |
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| Weights | ||
| empty | 4,610 kg | 10.165 lb |
| takeoff (clean) | 6,700 kg | 14.770 lb |
| takeoff (maximum) | 9,500 kg | 20.945 lb |
| Power Plant | ||
| Honeywell | 2 x F-124GA-200 | |
| Thrust, max, SLS, ISA | 2 x 2,850 kg | 2 x 6.280 lb |
| Internal fuel (usable) | 2,000 kg | 4.410 lb |
| Performance (clean, ISA) | ||
| Max level speed (sea level) | 590 KTAS | |
| Limit speed | 572 KEAS / 1.2 MN | |
| Stall speed (landing, 20% fuel) | 90 KCAS | |
| Rate of climb (SL) | 21,000 ft/min | |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft | |
| Range / 3 ext. tanks (10% reserve) | 1,120 / 1,540 nm | |
| Max sustained Load Factor (S.L.) | 8.0 g | |
| Max sustained Load Factor (15,000 ft) | 5,8 g | |
| Max sustained Turn Rate (15,000 ft) | 14 deg/sec | |
| Takeoff ground run (S.L.) | 320 m | (1.050 ft) |
| Landing ground roll (S.L., 20% internal fuel) | 470 m | (1.540 ft) |
| Limit Load factor | + 8 / -3 g |