Aermacchi M-346
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The Aermacchi M-346 is a military trainer aircraft currently under development. It is based on work done by Aermacchi while working on the Yak-130 as a joint venture with Yakovlev.
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[edit] Development
In 1993, Aermacchi signed an agreement to partner with Yakovlev on the new trainer the firm was developing for the Russian Air Force. The resulting aircraft first flew in 1996 and was brought to Italy the following year to substitute the aging MB-339.
At the time, the aircraft was marketed as the Yak/AEM-130, however, by 2000, differences in priorities between the two firms brought about an end to the partnership, with each developing the aircraft independently, with Aermacchi retaining worldwide marketing rights except for Russia and the CIS. A Russian version is also being pursued by Yakovlev and Sokol, under a different time schedule.
The M-346 is a simplified version of the aircraft the joint venture was producing, and uses equipment exclusively from Western manufacturers. The first prototype rolled out on June 7 2003 and flew for the first time on July 15 2004. It is expected that deliveries could begin by 2008. Two further prototypes are currently being constructed, the second of which is to be a pre-production example of the type.
In January 2005, the Greek Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become a partner in the programme.
The M-346 provides combat pilot training for front line fighters with high angle-of-attack capability. The aerodynamic design of the M-346 uses vortex lift to provide manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle-of-attack using a Fly-By-Wire control system.
The engine will be Honeywell's F-124, digital flight control system is by Teleavio/Marconi in collaboration with BAE Systems of Santa Monica, and Dowty and Microtecnica for actuators.
[edit] Specifications (M-346)
[edit] General characteristics
- Crew: two, student and instructor
- Length: 11.49 m (37 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)
- Height: 4.98 m (15 ft 7 in)
- Wing area: 23.5 m² (253 ft²)
- Empty: 4,610 kg (10,163 lb)
- Loaded: 6,700 kg (14,770 lb)
- Maximum takeoff: 9,500 kg (20,945 lb)
- Powerplant: 2x ITEC F124-GA-200, 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf) thrust each
[edit] Performance
- Maximum speed: 983 km/h (614 mph)
- Range: 1,890 km (1,181 miles)
- Service ceiling: 13,715 m (45,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 6,098 m/min (20,000 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 285 kg/m² (58.3 lb/ft²)
- Thrust-to-weight: 4.1 N/kg
[edit] Armament
- nine hardpoints for a variety of guns, bombs, rockets, and missiles
[edit] Related content
Related development: Yakovlev Yak-130
Comparable aircraft: EADS Mako
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