In the context of the Thai Air Force requirement to introduce a modern basic training system within its inventory, Leonardo is promoting the M-345 latest-generation training platform. The M-345 can be rightfully considered as the latest, natural outcome of Leonardo’s longstanding experience in designing and producing integrated training systems capable of meeting the widest range of Air Forces’ requirements in the safest and most cost-effective ways.
A highly performing basic trainer aircraft designed to be simple, effective and reliable, the M-345 provides student pilots with a training environment that simulates the flight behavior, maneuver capability, and physical experience of jet aircraft.
The M-345 is the ideal aircraft to replace the current line of basic trainers around the world offering higher performance compared to heavy turboprop trainers and, at the same granting, a safe and smooth transition from the lower end primary trainers. In particular, within the Italian Air Force (IAF) syllabus, the M-345 will be utilized to bring the student pilots from the SF-260 directly up to the very sophisticated M-346 advanced/lead-in fighter trainers.
So far, the Italian Air Force has placed orders for 18 M-345 basic trainers up front. There is a much larger requirement for the replacement of the MB-339 trainers. The quantity of the Italian Air Force’s M-345 trainers will be increased in the next few years concurrently with the phasing out of the overall MB-339 fleet.
Thanks to its excellent flying qualities and maneuverability the M-345 is also due to replace the MB-339 in the world renowned Italian aerobatic team, the “Frecce Tricolori”.
The first production aircraft successfully performed its maiden flight on December 21, 2018 delivering excellent performance. During 2019, the M-345 undertook over 40 test flights ahead of planned certification by the end of the year.
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