Aermacchi's fighter trainer progresses on schedule
The first prototype of Aermacchi's M346 advanced/lead-in fighter trainer made a presentation flight before Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and other government, military and industry representatives at the company's Venegono airfield near Milan last week.
The twin-engined trainer, which flew for the first time last July, has so far accumulated 11 flight hours during 14 sorties, completing the flight envelope in its planned take-off, cruise and landing aerodynamic configurations with the flight control system (FCS) engaged.
M346 deputy programme director Eligio Trombetta says the prototype has so far reached a maximum speed of 325kt (600km/h) and an altitude of 21,650ft (6,600m), attained a 5g load factor and flown at a 20° angle of attack. Aermacchi has also performed in-flight engine restarts and a preliminary evaluation of the aircraft's flight and handling characteristics.
Despite an initial programme delay caused by FCS software problems, Aermacchi says the M346's flight-test programme is progressing on schedule. Air-data system calibration, installation and functional testing of the auxiliary power unit and initial evaluation of the Honeywell F124-200 engine's full authority digital engine control system are planned to conclude late this year, when a new FCS software release with capabilities representative of the series production configuration will be applied.
Aermacchi chief executive Giovanni Bertolone says the second prototype of the M346 is set to fly in March 2005 and will be exhibited at next June's Paris air show. The programme's first pre-series aircraft featuring Leibherr-Magnaghi landing gear and other modifications will fly in late 2007, with first series production deliveries planned for 2009.
During the 11 October ceremony, Giorgio Zappa, chairman and chief executive of Alenia Aeronautica and deputy chairman of Aermacchi, asked the Italian government to support the company's bid to lead the continued development of the M346 to meet the proposed 12-nation Advanced European Jet Pilot Training, or Eurotraining mechanism.
According to Carlo Logli, Aermacchi's senior vice-president, the company is also well positioned to offer the M346 as a replacement for the Greek air force's Rockwell T-2E Buckeye trainers. Athens is expected to issue a request for information for the requirement next year.
LUCA PERUZZI / MILAN
Source: Flight International
