Leonardo is promoting its M-346 – a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft . Recently, Leonardo had announced the launch of a comprehensive capability enhancement package for the M-346 integrated training system.
“The move reflects the training needs to align pilot’s skills to the evolution dictated by modern multi-domain battlefields, combat air technology, and information management,” the airframer said.
Azerbaijan had signed a preliminary agreement in 2020 to buy an unspecified number of Leonardo M-346 Master training/light attack aircraft. According to sources, Azerbaijan plans to acquire 10-15 M-346 aircraft.
The M-346 is a jet aircraft optimised for advanced military pilot training, offering a broad range of training capabilities combined with long-term reliability. At the heart of a complex and integrated training system, the M-346 is already in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece.
Both training and fighter variants will benefit from these enhancements to deliver even greater capabilities. The aircraft will receive upgrades to its core avionics, navigation/identification, mission equipment and ground training capabilities. The ‘M-346 T Block 20’ and ‘M-346 F Block 20’ are the designations for the new standard. The new Block 20 standard will not be limited to the platform itself, but rather to the entire system including the ground based training system and shall be enabled by the widespread implementation of digitalization powered by AI.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, said: “Training represents a core area of expertise at Leonardo and the M-346
integrated training system is the backbone of our value proposition to ensure fighter pilots are well prepared to face modern and complex air challenges, today and in the future. As we are fully involved into next generation combat air developments, this latest progress of the M-346 testifies that we’re making sure the most appropriate training solutions are thoroughly embedded in this commitment. We strongly believe
the type’s constantly evolving features will continue to deliver second-to-none benefits for users in its market segment, both for training and operational / light fighter roles, making it an ideal candidate for the future of fighter training in Europe and in other geographies.”
The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature two large area displays, one per each seat, replacing the existing six multi-functional displays, plus a low profile head-up display.
These will be combined with a new digital video and data recorder and a new augmented reality helmet mounted display. The new cockpit will align the human-machine interface to those of the most sophisticated and future frontline combat air systems, with advantages in terms of quality training (i.e. look & feel plus a high fidelity immersive environment) and situational awareness in operational missions. The
‘M-346 Block 20’ will also benefit from new navigation, weapon management, flight management system, IFF – Identification of Friend or Foe – transponder. The M-346 F variant, will receive further critical capability enhancements include an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar featuring fire control radar capability, integration of new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles in addition to a built-in missile datalink.
More than 100 M-346 aircraft have been delivered to major operators worldwide so far. With over 120,000 flight hours logged in operational service with customers and through the unique training capabilities delivered by the International Flight Training School – IFTS in collaboration with the Italian Air Force, the M-346 has established itself as the most complete training system for fighter pilots and is meeting emerging needs for cost/effective combat operations.
The latest advancements allow for its su-perior advantages and characteristics to evolve further to the benefit of existing and
future operators.
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