Italian defence conglomerate Leonardo is showcasing the new M-346FA (Fighter Attack) at the ongoing defence exhibition as the ideal multi-role solution for African nations. The M-346FA is based on the successful M-346 advanced jet trainer, thereby affording operators with a highly effective and low-cost tactical solution for the modern battle- field, while at the same time, retaining all the features of the trainer aircraft, providing the air forces with maximum commonality, operational flexibility and advanced training capabilities.
The M-346A is fitted with a multi-mode Grifo M346 radar, which has been specifically optimized for the FA variant and features an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator, supporting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions; Long range detection and tracking in all scenarios (look-up and look-down, any altitude, any aspect); High resolution imaging (sub-metric SAR and ISAR); Wide scan sector and multiple target tracking.
The radar is produced by Leonardo’s Airborne and Space Systems Division. The M-346A has seven external hard-points, which can carry an extensive variety of air-to-air and air-ground weapons (laser/GPS guided and non-guided) and several external loads including gun, recon- naissance or target designation pod. Upon customer request, Leonardo can also integrate a Tactical Data Link, an extremely complete self-protection system, a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system, Voice Command, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, a Secure Communications system, an electronic warfare (EW) pod and a radar cross section reduction kit.
Building on Leonardo’s experience with the Eurofighter programme, where, as member of the Eurofighter consortium, the company plays a key role in the provision of Typhoon’s airframe and provides over 60 percent of its avionics; the M-346FA benefits from the latest generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) with: Six colour liquid crystal Multi-Function Displays (MFD); Two raster/stroke type Head-Up Displays (HUD);
Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP); Digital moving map; Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls; Integrated Helmet Mounted Display (HMD); Night Vision Goggles (NVG) fully compatible; Voice Command (VC); Get Home Display, for backup flight data; Autonomous navigation based on Embedded GPS/INS; Radar- altimeter (EGIR); Radio-aided navigation based on TACAN and VOR/ILS/MB and two independent
V/UHF transceivers. Leonardo also leads the consortia responsible for the Eurofighter’s radar, defensive aids suite and infrared search and track system, which raises Leonardo’s programme contribution to 36 percent. The M-346FA’s tandem-seat configuration which offers excellent visibility from both seats, makes it well suited for complex air-to-ground missions, where the back-seater acts as the Weapons System Operator or Forward Air Controller – Airborne, FAC-A).
In the RECCE role, when fitted with three external fuel tanks and one In-Flight Refuelling, the M-346FA can reach seven hours for maximum mission persistence and extended loiter time. The light fighter also keeps all the attributes of the M-346AJT, including the Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) Suite, allowing the M-346FA to still be used as an Advanced Jet Trainer, Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT), to offer the whole spectrum of simulated training functions in flight and to be integrated in the fully validated M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS) with Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) capabilities.
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