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| Aermacchi M-346 Master |
The Aermacchi M-346 Master is a modern, high-performance jet that serves as both an advanced trainer and a light combat aircraft. Developed by the Italian firm Alenia Aermacchi (now part of Leonardo), the M-346 was designed to prepare pilots for the high demands of modern fighter aircraft, offering performance and handling characteristics that closely mimic those of frontline combat jets. Its superior agility and sophisticated avionics—including digital fly-by-wire controls—make it an ideal platform for high-tempo, high-stress training scenarios, ensuring that pilots transition seamlessly into more advanced, multirole fighters.
The Aermacchi M-346 Master is a twin-engine transonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed in Italy. Originally co-developed with Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130, the partnership ended in 2000, leading Aermacchi to develop the M-346 independently while Yakovlev continued with the Yak-130
Features of Aermacchi M-346:
First Flight: July 15, 2004
Introduction: September 2015
Primary Users: Italian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Polish Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, and others
Engines: Two Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200 turbofans
Max Speed: Mach 1.15 (1,255 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 13,700 meters
Armament: No fixed internal weapons, but 7 external hardpoints for missiles and bombs
The M-346 is designed for pilot training, simulating the flight characteristics of modern fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35. It also has a light attack variant, the M-346FA, equipped with radar and weapons for combat missions.
The Aermacchi M-346 Master has a fighter attack variant known as the M-346FA, which is designed for light combat missions alongside its training role. Here are some of its key combat capabilities:
Combat Features
Multirole Capability: Can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and tactical reconnaissance missions.
Weapons Loadout: Equipped with 7 external hardpoints for carrying precision-guided munitions, air-to-air missiles, and bombs.
Radar System: Features an advanced fire-control radar for targeting and tracking enemy aircraft.
Electronic Warfare Suite: Includes self-protection systems such as radar warning receivers and countermeasures.
High Maneuverability: Designed to simulate the flight characteristics of modern fighter jets, making it effective in combat training and real missions.
The M-346FA is a cost-effective alternative to full-fledged fighter jets, allowing air forces to conduct combat operations while maintaining low operational costs.
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| Aermacchi M-346-cocpit |
The electronic warfare suite on the Aermacchi M-346 Master plays a crucial role in enhancing the aircraft’s survivability and combat effectiveness. It provides self-protection against enemy threats and improves situational awareness for pilots.
Functions of the Electronic Warfare Suite
Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): Detects and alerts pilots to enemy radar signals, helping them evade threats.
Countermeasure Dispensers: Deploys chaff and flares to confuse incoming missiles and radar-guided threats.
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): Jams enemy radar and communication systems to disrupt targeting.
Data Link Integration: Allows real-time sharing of threat information with allied forces for coordinated defense.
These systems ensure that the M-346FA can operate safely in contested environments while carrying out combat and training missions.
Crew: 2 (pilot and instructor)
Length: 11.49 m (37.7 ft)
Wingspan: 9.72 m (31.9 ft)
Height: 4.61 m (15.1 ft)
Empty Weight: 4,610 kg (10,160 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight: 9,500 kg (20,940 lb)
Performance
Max Speed: Mach 1.15 (1,255 km/h)
Range: 2,590 km (1,610 mi) with external fuel tanks
Service Ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 ft)
Rate of Climb: 6,000 ft/min
Powerplant
Engines: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200 turbofans
Thrust: 2,850 lbf (12.7 kN) each
weapon system(M-346FA Variant)
Hardpoints: 7 external stations for weapons and fuel tanks
Weapons:
Air-to-air missiles (AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T)
Air-to-ground munitions (JDAM, Paveway bombs)
12.7 mm gun pod
Electronic warfare and targeting pods
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