Aermacchi's M311 demonstrator – a completely redesigned version of the Italian company's S211 basic turbofan trainer – made its first flight on 1 June ahead of a public debut in the static display at the Paris air show.
The 70min sortie tested the demonstrator's integrated avionics and assessed the aircraft's general handling characteristics with an aerodynamically revised configuration, reaching its maximum load factor.
Developed to improve training syllabus efficiency by removing 30-35% of flying hours from an air force's advanced training activities, the M311 will also help reduce student failure rates on the later course, Aermacchi claims.
The aircraft features CMC Electronics of Canada's Cockpit 4000 integrated avionics package, including three 125 x 175mm (5 x 7in) multifunction displays and hands-on throttle and stick controls for each pilot station. The aircraft also has a head-up display for the front seat, two open-architecture mission computers and a navigation and communications suite.
The platform's strengthened structure can withstand +7g and -3.5g, and its service life has been set at 15,000 flight hours. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C engine produces 30% more power than the S211's original turbofan and offers an extended time between overhauls of 2,500h, with a growth target of 4,500h.
Aermacchi says the M311 will deliver better performance and lower life-cycle costs than heavy turboprop trainers. Production deliveries could start in 2008 for the aircraft, already being promoted to Singapore, Turkey and the UK.
LUCA PERUZZI/GENOA
Source: Flight International
