M-346

gallery_M-346.jpgThe 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

   
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