Page 13 - ADEX 2024 - DAY 2

Leonardo Looks for More M-346 Deals

Leonardo is promoting its M-346 – a to the platform itself, but rather to the entire displays, plus a low profile head-up display.
twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft, in the system including the ground based training
region. Recently, Leonardo had announced system and shall be enabled by the wide- These will be combined with a new digital
the launch of a comprehensive capability spread implementation of digitalization video and data recorder and a new aug-
enhancement package for the M-346 inte- powered by AI. mented reality helmet mounted display. The
grated training system. new cockpit will align the human-machine
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager interface to those of the most sophisti-
“The move reflects the training of Leonardo, said: “Training represents cated and future frontline combat air sys-
a core area of expertise at Leonardo and
needs to align pilot’s skills to the M-346 integrated training system is tems, with advantages in terms of quality
training (i.e. look & feel plus a high fidelity
the evolution dictated by mod- the backbone of our value proposition to immersive environment) and situational
ern multi-domain battlefields, ensure fighter pilots are well prepared to awareness in operational missions. The
face modern and complex air challenges,
combat air technology, and today and in the future. As we are fully ‘M-346 Block 20’ will also benefit from new
information management,” the involved into next generation combat air navigation, weapon management, flight
airframer said. developments, this latest progress of the management system, IFF - Identification of
M-346 testifies that we’re making sure the Friend or Foe - transponder. The M-346 F
Azerbaijan had signed a preliminary agree- most appropriate training solutions are variant, will receive further critical capability
ment in 2020 to buy an unspecified num- thoroughly embedded in this commitment. enhancements include an AESA (Active
ber of Leonardo M-346 Master training/ We strongly believe Electronically Scanned Array) radar featur-
light attack aircraft. According to sources, the type’s constantly evolving features will ing fire control radar capability, integration
Azerbaijan plans to acquire 10-15 M-346 continue to deliver second-to-none bene- of new weapons for both air-to-air and
aircraft. fits for users in its market segment, both air-to-ground roles in addition to a built-in
missile datalink.
The M-346 is a jet aircraft optimised for for training and operational / light fighter
advanced military pilot training, offering a roles, making it an ideal candidate for the More than 100 M-346 aircraft have been
broad range of training capabilities com- future of fighter training in Europe and in delivered to major operators worldwide so
bined with long-term reliability. At the heart other geographies.” far. With over 120,000 flight hours logged
of a complex and integrated training sys- The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature in operational service with customers and
tem, the M-346 is already in service with the two large area displays, one per each seat, through the unique training capabilities
air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, replacing the existing six multi-functional delivered by the International Flight Training
Qatar and Greece. School – IFTS in collaboration with the
Italian Air Force, the M-346 has estab-
Both training and fighter variants will ben- lished itself as the most complete training
efit from these enhancements to deliver system for fighter pilots and is meeting
even greater capabilities. The aircraft will emerging needs for cost/effective combat
receive upgrades to its core avionics, nav- operations.
igation/identification, mission equipment
and ground training capabilities. The ‘M-346 The latest advancements allow for its
T Block 20’ and ‘M-346 F Block 20’ are the su-perior advantages and characteristics
designations for the new standard. The to evolve further to the benefit of existing
new Block 20 standard will not be limited andfuture operators.

AZERBAIJAN INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION 2024 SEPTEMBER-25-2024 13