The first of eight Aermacchi M-346 lead-in fighter trainers for Poland was unveiled at Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s facility in Venegono Superiore, Italy on 6 June.
Delivery of an initial two aircraft will be made to the Polish air force academy in Dęblin in late November, following the scheduled completion of certification activities by Italian military authorities the previous month. National-specific modifications include a new data link, braking parachute and "blind hood" to support training in instrument meteorological conditions, with the programme also including a full mission simulator, flight training device, egress procedure trainer and mission planning and debriefing stations.
Warsaw's remaining six examples are scheduled to follow within 12 months, with the nation aiming to establish Dęblin as an international training hub. Its air force also will receive an initial four-year package of support under the procurement.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica
Leonardo-Finmeccanica says it has secured orders for 68 M-346s so far, including commitments from Israel (30), Italy (18) and Singapore (12).
Source: FlightGlobal.com
