New M-345 training jet enters service in Italy

The Italian Air Force and for Leonardo have officially introduced the new M-345 (designated T-345A by the Armed Forces) into the fleet of training aircraft for military pilots. Now operational with the 61st Wing at Galatina (LE), replacing the MB-339 (T-339A), the M-345 system together with the M-346 – both designed, developed and manufactured by Leonardo at its Venegono Superiore (Varese, Italy) site – consolidate Italy’s leadership in the training of current and future military pilots. The combination of these two training systems allows to cover the entire military pilot training process – from the basic initial phase to the most advanced phase. The M-345 builds on Leonardo’s long-standing experience in the field of military trainers, which stems from the success of aircraft such as the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, the Aermacchi MB-326, and the Aermacchi MB-339. The MB-339, in particular, served for over 40 years training Italian and foreign military pilots and gracing skies across the globe with the tricolour trails of the National Aerobatic Team – which will soon adopt Leonardo’s M-346 as its new aircraft. With the M-345 now integrated into the Armed Force’s training syllabus, the Italian Air Force will boast the most modern fixed-wing military training system in Europe. The M-345 jet aircraft delivers performance superior to those of a high-end turboprop jet at comparable operating costs. Definitively a state-of-the-art integrated training system that encompasses both the basic and advanced stages (Phases II and III) of pilot training. Thanks to its full-digital avionics and innovative human-machine interface, the M-345 fits perfectly into the training syllabus assisting pilots for the transition to new-generation fighter jets. The M-345 is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine, optimised for military use, with high performance along with reduced fuel consumption. The aircraft is designed for an extended operational life, featuring an integrated monitoring system that reduces maintenance times and costs while increasing fleet readiness and efficiency. In line with the standards of new-generation military jets, the digital cockpit avionics feature a highly advanced human–machine interface, comprising three colour touch-screen Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD), which provides an immersive flying experience. The cockpit features excellent external visibility and stepped tandem seating, with HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controls that allow pilots to fly the aircraft without removing their hands from the main controls. The M-345 Integrated Training System capability consists of a modern aircraft and the full set of innovative Ground Based Training System with unique capabilities, in terms of training performance, cost-efficiency and sustainability. The Leonardo M-345 and M-346 integrated systems offer a seamless training path that ensures a smooth transition through the different training phases, improving overall training programme effectiveness. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]