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2023-12-10

M-346 Leader in Combat Pilots Training, “Game Changer” as Multirole Light Combat

Setting up the strategic guidelines to define the training system of the future can be as much strategic as to develop the frontline fighter fleet that will defend the home country.

The M-346 Integrated Training System has been specifically designed by the Italian firm Leonardo to improve teaching effectiveness during the latest pre-operational phases of training; thanks to the performance of the twin-engine jet M-346, its advanced avionics, fully representative of modern fighters, a full suite of embedded simulation and associated simulators.

A fundamental parameter to be managed in today’s fighter pilot training is the optimal balance between real flight on board high-performing training aircraft and simulation, with “virtual” training having a crucial role in reducing costs and keeping high quality.

The M-346 characteristics enable extensive transfer or “download” of flight hours from the more expensive training on the twin-seat version of the front-line fighters. This approach reduces the training duration, providing cost savings, maximising the quality of training and developing cadet’s skills needed to manage today’s complex operational net-centric scenarios.

The result is that M-346 is today unparalleled in the world training market, a central element of its Integrated Training System, which includes an operational Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environment designed to merge real aircraft, simulators and computer-generated elements of the operational scenario in order to allow student pilots to develop knowledge, skills and practices needed to exploit modern combat aircraft, such as F-35 or the Eurofighter Typhoon. Feedback confirms proven cost-effectiveness and reduced duration of the final training syllabus.

More than 100 M-346s have been contracted to major Air Forces such as Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece. M-346 is also the backbone of the Italian Air Force-Leonardo International Flight Training School (IFTS) based in Italy, where international pilots train themselves and build their combat skills.

Pilots from Japan, Germany, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Canada are already successfully training at the technologically advanced campus in Decimomannu, Sardinia. UK’s Royal Air Force is the latest Air Force that chose to send their pilots to IFTS.

The M-346 – a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft with fully digital flight controls and avionics – is equipped with a fly-by-wire flight control system with quadruple redundancy, a modern human-machine interface with Head-Up Displays (HUD) and Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls and in-flight safety features such as the Pilot Activated Attitude Recovery System (PARS). It can operate in complete autonomy with the aid of its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

The training system features integrated onboard technology to simulate tactical training – the Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) – allowing the aircraft to emulate sensors, weapons and Computer Generated Forces (CGF).

The system is completed by the Ground Based Training System (GBTS), which consists of various flight and mission simulation systems, multi-media and classroom courses, mission planning and training management systems, and an integrated logistic support (ILS) service that optimises fleet and simulator management for maximum operational use.

The wide flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and ‘carefree’ manoeuvrability at high angles of attack make the M-346’s handling similar to that of next-generation combat aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-35. This maximises training effectiveness and reduces flight hours on front-line aircraft.

Derived from the most advanced “Lead-In Fighter Trainer” on the market, the M-346FA Fighter Attack variant of the proven M-346 is capable of carrying out a wide range of operational roles, both air defence and air-to-ground, in the most cost-effective manner, providing at the same time the best level of training for the pilot’s thanks to its state-of-the-art integrated training system.

The aircraft is equipped with multi-mode Grifo-M-346 mechanical scanning radar, developed by Leonardo and optimised for the M-346FA: a high-performing solution offering accuracy and enabling system modularity.

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