New variant of M-346 multi-role trainer introduced

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 11 (UPI) -- A light fighter variant of Aermacchi's M-346 multi-role trainer/air support aircraft has been introduced at the Farnborough Air Show in Britain.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica, parent company of Aermacchi, said the aircraft is the M-346FT, which integrates a variety of systems and sensors for tactical support and air defense, a tactical data link, a self-defense system, targeting sensors and weapon systems.

"We invest in the technological development of highest-added-value activities so that we can stay one step ahead of our competitors," said Mauro Moretti, Leonardo's chief executive officer and general manager. "The technological excellence of our trainers is acknowledged worldwide and today we are ready to offer our customers an aircraft capable of combining the operational and training requirements of the air forces all over the world, assuring top performances and remarkably lower costs."

The Aermacchi M-346 is an advanced trainer and light attack for the training of pilots destined for high-performance jets. It has been ordered by the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel and Poland.

The M-346 integrates an Embedded Tactical Training Simulation with the ability to simulate a complete suite of sensors, counter-measures and armaments and also to create a virtual tactical scenario. It features hard points for external weapon, a helmet-mounted display and an in-flight refueling probe.