• Forum
• SITREP

• Military

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space
• Public Eye

Further Reading

M-346 Master

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 MB-339CM is a two-seat, aerobatic, single-engine aircraft for the Advanced and Lead-In-Fighter Training phases of the military pilot training syllabus. It is based upon the MB-339CD in use with the Italian Air Force. With its performance, excellent handling and sophisticated systems, the MB-339CD is one of the most successful members of the Alenia Aermacchi training aircraft family. The MB-339CM is equipped with modern avionics with a human-machine interface that includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) and three Multi Functional Displays (MFD) in both the front and rear cockpits, as well as software to simulate complex operational scenarios. The aircraft features an air-refuelling probe, which makes it even more representative of current fighters. This version adds further training and operational capabilities, integrating new functions in its avionics system. These include Embedded Training Simulation, digital maps, a cockpit compatible with night vision goggles (NVG), new radios and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), a new integrated Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (AACMI) pod as well as modern safety equipment such as the Crash Data Recorder and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

In November 2009 the Italian Air Force signed the contract about the first batch of 6 M-346, including also simulators and integrated logistic supports, to fulfill the advanced/lead-in fighter training requirements for pilots that will fly the future generation combat aircraft. This contract forms part of a broader agreement to supply a total of 15 M-346 and related support.

In February 2009 it was selected by the United Arab Emirates for their new training air fleet and the negotiations are at the last stage for the acquisition of a complete Integrated Training Solution comprehensive of 48 M-346. Furthermore, it is also in the short list (two competitors) in Singapore within the Fighter Wings Course (FWC).The M-346 programme also involves other Finmeccanica Group companies including Selex Galileo, Alenia SIA, Sirio Panel and Selex Communications. CAE, the world leader in simulation and integrated training solutions, is developing and validating the simulator for the Initial Training Capability. CAE enters the programme with Selex Galileo.

In march 2009 Alenia Aermacch delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force its first two MB-339CM trainers. These two aircraft are part of an order for eight trainers placed by the RMAF in late 2006. Chief Test Pilot Cdr. Quirino Bucci and Test Pilot Cdr. Matteo Maurizio took off from the Alenia Aermacchi airfield in two MB-339CMs and landed at the RMAF base at Kuantan after a 12,000-kilometre delivery flight. The six remaining MB-339CM were delivered in the course of 2009.

On 15 March 2010, Alenia Aermacchi (AAEM) and EADS Defence and Security (DS) submitted a joint response to the Request For Information (RFI) issued by the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 15 July 2009 about the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) program. This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAEM and DS in December 2009 regarding their collaboration to supply an integrated training system based on the M 346 Master advanced trainer aircraft which meets the specific requirements of the nine European countries participating in the AEJPT program.

On 28 September 2010 ST Aerospace announced it has been awarded a contract to procure 12 M346 aircraft and ground based training system for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) fighter pilot training in Cazaux, France. The acquisition cost of the aircraft, ground based training system and associated spares are worth S$543m, and delivery of the first aircraft is expected in 2012. This contract is primed by ST Aerospace, which will undertake the overall management of the program. The M346 aircraft will be provided by Alenia Aermacchi while Boeing will supply the ground based training system. In 2008, ST Aerospace teamed with Alenia Aermacchi and The Boeing Company to form a consortium to jointly bid the M346 aircraft for the RSAF Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) replacement program.

For the forthcoming T-X program to replace 450 USAF Northrop T-38 Talon trainers, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346, in its proposed US market guise as the T-100, stands its best chance of success if offered in alliance with one of the leading US defence operators. That program, which some analysts regard as a must-win contract for trainer manufacturers, could involve up to 1,000 aircraft, including naval and light attack versions, and the T-X will become the most suitable trainer for air forces fielding Lockheed Martin F-35s, so potential for international sales is also vast.