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Aermacchi M-345

From Alfawiki
Leonardo S.p.A.
Company typeDefense contractor
IndustryAerospace, defense
Founded1948 in Italy
Headquarters
Rome
,
Italy
ProductsMilitary aircraft, including Aermacchi M-345

Template:Infobox aircraft

The Aermacchi M-345 is a military training aircraft powered by a turbofan engine, engineered and manufactured by the Italian defense company Leonardo S.p.A..

This model is an evolution of the earlier SIAI-Marchetti S.211. The M-345 completed its inaugural flight on 29 December 2016, and shortly after, the Italian Air Force placed the initial order for the aircraft. The first production variant took to the skies from Venegono Superiore in December 2018. It officially entered operational service in December 2020, succeeding the Aermacchi MB-339.

Origins

File:M311 - RIAT 2005 (2886025224).jpg
M-311 in 2005

In 1997, the Italian aerospace firm Aermacchi acquired SIAI-Marchetti, gaining ownership of the rights to the jet trainer aircraft S.211.[1] By 2004, Aermacchi revealed plans to create an enhanced variant of the S.211, designated as the M-311. Concurrently, the company was developing the M-346 Master, a lead-in fighter trainer; significantly smaller in size than the M-346, the M-311 aimed to fulfill both fundamental and advanced pilot training roles along with tactical instruction, positioning itself as an alternative to single-engine turboprop trainers.[1][2]

Derived from the S.211 platform, the M-311 incorporated a modernized cockpit, multiple structural improvements—including an expanded use of composite materials—and was powered by a new engine, the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan.[3] These modifications extended the aircraft’s fatigue lifespan to 15,000 flight hours, allowed for longer intervals between maintenance overhauls, and shortened turnaround durations between missions.[2] According to Aermacchi, operational expenses over the life cycle could be aligned with those of turboprop competitors; while direct operating costs were approximately 5% higher due to a roughly 30% increase in fuel consumption, low maintenance expenses were expected to provide a competitive edge against increasingly advanced rivals, as noted by Sergio Coniglio, the company’s director of competitive analysis.[2]

The prototype took to the skies for its inaugural flight on 1 June 2005.[4] Additionally, a second aircraft—previously utilized during the 1990s as a technology demonstrator—was updated to include most features planned for production models. By September that year, the prototype had completed around 30 test flights and was scheduled for software enhancements aimed at upgrading cockpit displays.[2] In July 2006, one prototype was showcased at the Royal International Air Tattoo.[5]

Midway through 2006, forecasts projected demand for up to 350 M-311 units by the year 2030.[6] Subsequently, on 28 May 2008, Boeing and Alenia entered into a partnership agreement to collaborate on marketing strategies, sales efforts, pilot training programs, and product support services for both the M-346 and M-311 aircraft.[7][8]

Relaunch

File:Alenia Aermacchi M-345 CPX619 PAS 2013 02 rear end.jpg
M-345 displayed at the 2013 Paris Air Show

In 2012, Alenia Aermacchi undertook a redesign and update of the M-311, subsequently renaming it the M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer). During October 2014, it was revealed that the in-development trainer would be powered by the Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, chosen over competing proposals from both Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney. The selection was attributed to the engine’s proven capabilities in business aviation and its use in the Swedish Air Force's upgraded fleet of Saab 105 trainers. Shortly after this decision, Alenia Aermacchi began fitting the 3,400 lb-thrust FJ44-4M onto its flight-test aircraft, replacing the previously installed P&W Canada JT15D engines.

In March 2015, Alenia entered into a memorandum of understanding with Chilean company ENAER to explore collaborative manufacturing and marketing of the M-345 HET within the South America region. On 1 June 2015, Alenia Aermacchi showcased the M-345 to France’s DGA as part of the emerging program intended to replace its fleet of Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets. Later, on 20 September 2018, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Alenia Aermacchi and South African defense firm Paramount Group, aiming to assess and develop a combat-configured variant of the M-345 tailored to meet the needs of potential African clients.

The maiden flight of the M-345 occurred on 29 December 2016. The first production-standard M-345 took to the skies from Venegono Superiore in December 2018, with Italian Air Force service entry projected for 2020. By December 2020, the aircraft officially entered operational service.

Service

The Italian Air Force accepted the initial two M-345 aircraft into operational service in December 2020, marking the delivery of the first units from the total procurement.[9] While at least 18 M-345s have been ordered so far, the Air Force expects to acquire a minimum of 45 in total.[9] These aircraft are intended to replace the fleet of 137 MB-339 trainers that have been in use since the early 1980s.[9]

Design

File:Alenia Aermacchi, M-345 (34839166804).jpg
Front view of the M-345

The Aermacchi M-345 is a compact, twin-seat shoulder-wing monoplane designed primarily as a trainer. It derives from the earlier S.211 model but incorporates enhanced structural components and updated systems,[1] including a reinforced airframe and modern avionics housed within a glass cockpit. Its propulsion comes from a single Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine, and it features retractable tricycle landing gear. Serving as a basic trainer, the M-345 is intended to operate alongside the more advanced Aermacchi M-346 jet trainer.[1] Additionally, it has been equipped with a secondary role in close air support, featuring four[10] underwing hard points for armaments.

The cockpit seats both pilot and instructor in a tandem arrangement, each provided with Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick controls.[1] Both occupants are protected by Martin-Baker Mk.IT16D zero-zero ejection seats manufactured by Martin-Baker. The internal cockpit dimensions have been expanded to closely match those of the BAE Systems Hawk. All displays and lighting elements are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG).[1] The environmental control system maintains cockpit cooling during ground operations at temperatures up to ISA +35 °C (95 °F), and an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) eliminates reliance on oxygen bottles.[1]

The glass cockpit integrates advanced avionics with a modern Human-Machine Interface.[10] It includes three identical 5 x 7 inch (125 x 180 mm) color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs),[10] a wide-angle forward-mounted Head-Up Display (HUD), and for the rear seat, a full-sized HUD repeater via an additional dedicated multifunction display.[1] The avionics suite comprises dual mission computers, embedded GPS/inertial navigation systems, and an Electronic Ground and Inertial Radar (EGIR) altimeter,[10] along with two V/UHF radios, integrated audio warning systems, IFF transponder, Traffic Alert System (TAS), Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS),[10] plus optional features such as a digital moving map, stores management system, and an Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS)[10]—the latter identical to that found on the M-346. This embedded simulation capability can recreate tactical scenarios with threats and targets, realistic Computer Generated Forces (CGF), onboard sensors including multimode Fore Control Radar, targeting pods, active/passive electronic countermeasures, and weapons.[10]

Flight controls include hydraulically assisted conventional ailerons with manual reversion capability. The elevator and rudder are mechanically linked via pushrods and feature three-axis electric trim.[1] Secondary controls consist of electrically actuated trailing edge flaps and an electrically controlled, hydraulically operated belly-mounted air brake. The hydraulic system operates at 207 bar (3,000 lb/in²) pressure to power landing gear actuation, wheel brakes, air brake deployment, and aileron boost. Electrical power is DC with an internal battery used for engine start. Maintenance is facilitated through a two-tier approach—organizational and intermediate levels—for aircraft systems and equipment. An onboard Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) collects data to monitor airframe condition, enhancing durability and streamlining maintenance tasks.[1][10]

Operational history

In January 2017, Italy initiated a procurement of five M-345 aircraft for the Italian Air Force (IAF). The IAF anticipates acquiring up to 45 units to succeed the Aermacchi MB-339 fleet, which serves both basic training functions and supports the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic squadron.[11][12] By June 2019, Italy expanded its commitment with a follow-up order of 13 additional M-345s, raising the total to 18 aircraft.[13]

The M-345 secured its initial military certification in May 2020.[14] Subsequently, in January 2021, the IAF formally introduced its first two M-345 trainers into service. This model is set to replace the MB-339A within the second and third phases of pilot instruction.[15] The aircraft officially entered operational service in December 2020, substituting the Aermacchi MB-339 and complementing the MB-346 Master.[9]

As of 2022, the 61° Stormo, established more than seventy-five years ago and based at Lecce-Galatina Air Base, operates a mixed fleet including M-345s, MB-339A/CDs, and M-346s. This unit provides flight training support for an international aviation school.[16]

Variants

File:Alenia Airmacchi M-311.png
Alenia Aermacchi M-311 showcased at Paris Air Show 2013
File:Alenia Aermacchi M 345 HET.png
M-345 used by Italian aerobatic team "Frecce Tricolori"
M-311
An upgraded and enhanced iteration of the SIAI-Marchetti S.211, equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan engine. Two prototype units were produced.[17]
M-345
This is the rebranded version of the M-311 from 2012 onwards, featuring a Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine.[18]
T-345A
The official Italian military designation assigned to the M-345.[14]

Operators

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Specifications (M-345)

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See also

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References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Collins, Peter. "FLIGHT TEST: Alenia Aermacchi M-311 - Bridging the gap." Flight International, 7 May 2007.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Doyle, Andrew. "M-311 set to face pilot scrutiny." Flight International, 13 September 2005.
  3. ↑ "Aermacchi chapter." Flight International, 21 July 2004.
  4. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)..
  5. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "RIAT: Alenia Aermacchi M-311 jet trainer in the black at Fairford." Flight International, 14 July 2006.
  6. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "Fresh sales prompt MB-339 advanced jet trainer revival." Flight International, 1 August 2006.
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  11. ↑ Niccoli, Riccardo Air International July 2017, p. 11.
  12. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "Italian deal opens M-345 order book." Flight International, 16 January 2017.
  13. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  18. ↑ Perry, Dominic. "Alenia picks FJ44 for M-345 trainer, mulls SF-260 replacement." Flight International, 8 October 2014.

Sources

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External links

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