Page 3 - FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2024 - DAY 2 | DAILY NEWS

Leonardo Launches M-346

Capability Enhancement Programme

Leonardo has announced the launch of a
comprehensive capability enhancement
package for the M-346 integrated training
system. This latest development leverages
the inherent growth capability embedded
into the M-346 design as well as ten years of
proven in-service experience with leading air
forces across geographies and is an integral
part of the broader organisational digitiza-
tion roadmap initiative, fully consistent with
Leonardo’s longer-term strategy. “The move
reflects the training needs to align pilot’s
skills to the evolution dictated by modern
multi-domain battlefields, combat air tech-
nology, and information management,” the
airframer said in a release.

Both training and fighter variants will ben-
efit from these enhancements to deliver
even greater capabilities. The aircraft will
receive upgrades to its core avionics, nav-
igation/identification, mission equipment
and ground training capabilities. The ‘M-346
T Block 20’ and ‘M-346 F Block 20’ are the training and operational / light fighter roles, variant, will receive further critical capability
designations for the new standard. The new making it an ideal candidate for the future enhancements include an AESA (Active
Block 20 standard will not be limited to the of fighter training in Europe and in other Electronically Scanned Array) radar featuring
platform itself, but rather to the entire sys- geographies.” fire control radar capability, integration of
tem including the ground based training sys- new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-
tem and shall be enabled by the widespread The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature ground roles in addition to a built-in missile
implementation of digitalization powered by two large area displays, one per each seat, datalink.
AI. Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of replacing the existing six multi-functional
Leonardo, said: “Training represents a core displays, plus a low profile head-up display. More than 100 M-346 aircraft have been
area of expertise at Leonardo and the M-346 These will be combined with a new digital delivered to major operators worldwide so
integrated training system is the backbone video and data recorder and a new aug- far. With over 120,000 flight hours logged
of our value proposition to ensure fighter mented reality helmet mounted display. The in operational service with customers and
pilots are well prepared to face modern new cockpit will align the human-machine through the unique training capabilities
and complex air challenges, today and in interface to those of the most sophisti- delivered by the International Flight Training
the future. As we are fully involved into next cated and future frontline combat air sys- School – IFTS in collaboration with the
generation combat air developments, this tems, with advantages in terms of quality Italian Air Force, the M-346 has established
latest progress of the M-346 testifies that training (i.e. look & feel plus a high fidelity itself as the most complete training system
we’re making sure the most appropriate immersive environment) and situational for fighter pilots and is meeting emerging
training solutions are thoroughly embedded awareness in operational missions. The needs for cost/effective combat operations.
in this commitment. We strongly believe ‘M-346 Block 20’ will also benefit from new The latest advancements allow for its su-
the type’s constantly evolving features will navigation, weapon management, flight perior advantages and characteristics to
continue to deliver second-to-none benefits management system, IFF - Identification evolve further to the benefit of existing and
for users in its market segment, both for of Friend or Foe - transponder. The M-346 F future operators.

Editorial Director Arun Sivasankaran Art Director
Vittorio Rossi Prudente arun.sivasankaran@gbp.com.sg Sudheesh Kularmunda
vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg sudheesh.kularmunda@gbp.com.sg
Atul Chandra
atul.chandra@gbp.com.sg
Editorial Team Sales Director
PUBLISHED BY Jay Menon Yulian Ardiansyah Akshay Satyamurthy
jay.menon@gbp.com.sg yulian.ardiansyah@gbp.com.sg akshay.satyamurthy@gbp.com.sg
Geoffrey Thomas
geoffrey.thomas@gbp.com.sg

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW 2024 JULY-23-2024 3