Leonardo M-346 in flight (Courtesy of Leonardo) |
The Alenia Aermacchii M-346 Master is a military twin-engine, two-set jet trainer aircraft. Originally co-developed with Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130, the partnership was dissolved in 2000 and Alenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master.
The first flight of the M-346 occurred in 2004, and is currently operated by the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland. In 2017 the manufacturer was rebranded as Leonardo.
The M-346 is the most modern solution to train the new generation of pilots, featuring its Integrated Training System.
It uses equipment exclusively from Western manufacturers, such as the digital flight control system being developed by Teleavio, Marconi Italiana and BAE Systems.
M-346 in the markings of Alénia Aermarchetti (Photos by DELEHELLE Eric) |
Leonardo M-346, No. 323, of the Singapore Air Force (Photos by DELEHELLE Eric) |
Leonardo is now producing the M-346FA, a new light attack variant of the M-346 Light Fighter Family of Aircraft (LFFA). It is designed to perform multiple tasks within one platform, while cost-effectively delivering both training and combat roles.
Leonardo M-346FA during landing approach |