Aermacchi M-346

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The Aermacchi M-346 is a military trainer aircraft It is based on work done by Aermacchi while working on the Yak-130 as a joint venture with Yakovlev.

Aermacchi M346

Type	Advanced trainer Light attack
Manufacturer	Aermacchi
Maiden flight	15 July 2004
Status	on developement
Primary user	no users
Number built	2 Prototype
Developed from	MB339
Variants	M346K (light attack version)

[edit] Development

In 1993, Aermacchi signed an agreement to partner with Yakovlev on the new trainer the firm was developing for the Russian Air Force. The resulting aircraft first flew in 1996 and was brought to Italy the following year to substitute the aging MB-339.

At the time, the aircraft was marketed as the Yak/AEM-130, however, by 2000, differences in priorities between the two firms brought about an end to the partnership, with each developing the aircraft independently, with Aermacchi retaining worldwide marketing rights except for Russia and the CIS. A Russian version is also being pursued by Yakovlev and Sokol, under a different time schedule.

The M-346 is a simplified version of the aircraft the joint venture was producing, and uses equipment exclusively from Western manufacturers. The first prototype rolled out on June 7, 2003 and flew for the first time on July 15, 2004. It is expected that deliveries could begin by 2008. Two further prototypes are currently being constructed, the second of which is to be a pre-production example of the type.

In January 2005, the Greek Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become a partner in the programme.

The M-346 provides combat pilot training for front line fighters with high angle-of-attack capability. The aerodynamic design of the M-346 uses vortex lift to provide manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle-of-attack using a Fly-By-Wire control system.

The engine will be Honeywell's F-124, digital flight control system is by Teleavio/Marconi in collaboration with BAE Systems of Santa Monica, and Dowty and Microtecnica for actuators.