Dual-role
M-346FT Fighter Trainer has completed first weapon tests. And here are some
interesting images
Mar 07 2017
The new
multi-role version of the M-346 Master advanced jet trainer has completed first
weapon tests to demonstrate its close air support capability.
The
development of the dual-role variant of the Leonardo
M-346FT continues.
Testing that
took place in Italy in coordination with the Italian Air Force shown the
successful deployment of two weapon systems: the Lizard LGBs (Laser Guided
Bombs) and the Mk.82 ballistic bombs. Recce and cannon pods are already
integrated and fully operational, according to company sources.
Unveiled at
Farnborough International Air Show in July 2016, the M-346FT is the new
low-cost, multi-role variant of the basic M-346 Master AJT (Advanced Jet
Trainer), one of the world’s
most advanced trainers in service with the Air Forces of Italy (18
ordered jets, performing training as well as aggressors tasks), Singapore (12), Israel (30)
and Poland (8)
The “FT” is
intended to offer both advanced training as well as urban and battlefield close
air support, tactical reconnaissance and homeland security tasks. For this
reason the aircraft is going to be equipped with a TDL (Tactical Data Link) and
a defensive aid subsystem, to provide SA (Situational Awareness) and
self-protection; a multiband secure radio and networking suite. Leonardo is
also working on one more version that would also include a radar. With such an
addition, the aircraft, that could easily be converted from the trainer
configuration to the light attack one, could satisfy the requirements of many
air arms all around the world that are looking for tactical platforms able to carry
a wide array of weapons and sensors at lower costs than the current 4th (and
5th) generation’s combat planes.
The
“baseline” M-346 Master platform already offers digital cockpit, HOTAS (Hands
On Throttle And Stick) commands, carefree handling, VCI (Vocal Control Inputs),
a Helmet Mounted Display as well as the ability to simulate the flight
characteristics of other aircraft and to replicate a wide variety of sensors
and weapons as if these were actually installed on the aircraft: it’s
considered one of the best LIFTs (Lead-In Fighter Trainers) to train pilots
destined to the next generation aircraft, thanks to its performance and
cutting-edge human-machine interface.
The “Master”
is also one of the candidates to replace the Air Education and Training Command’s T-38
Talons as the next-generation U.S. Air Force training plane. Leonardo
is offering a specific variant of the 346, dubbed T-100, for the competition as
prime contractor. The Italian company (initially by means of its
subsidiary Alenia Aermacchi) teamed up with General Dynamics, between 2013 and
2015, and with Raytheon, between 2016 and Jan. 25, 2017, to offer the T-100 for
the T-X. But both U.S. company withdrew as prime contractors for the T-100
offering, leaving Leonardo without an American partner in the program where it
would face the competition of some clean sheet designs, such as the Boeing T-X,
as well as some modified trainers, such as the Lockheed Martin T-X, an upgraded
T-50A.
On Feb. 8,
2017, Leonardo eventually announced its decision to propose the T-100 for the
U.S. Air Force T-X competition, with its U.S. subsidiary DRS as the prime
contractor. Leonardo DRS will be supported by CAE USA in the design and
development of the T-100 Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) whereas Honeywell
will provide twin F124 turbofan propulsion engines. The new T-100 aircraft is
to be built at a U.S. manufacturing facility that has not been selected yet.
Image
source: Leonardo
Original
post: theaviationist.com
Related post:
M-346 Master: Details
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