Galatina, Italy – The Italian Air Force has officially inducted the Leonardo M-345 aircraft into service, marking the beginning of a new era of basic flight training at the 61st Wing in Galatina, southern Italy.
Replacing the MB-339
Announcing the milestone in a Thursday statement, Leonardo, the aircraft’s manufacturer, stated that the trainer, designated T-345A by the Italian Air Force, replaces the Aermacchi MB-339. Alongside the M-346, the M-345 will „consolidate Italy’s leadership in the training of current and future military pilots.”
Italian Orders
Italy has ordered 18 M-345 units to date, out of a total requirement of 45 aircraft, to support the second and third phases of pilot training. The M-346, also produced by Leonardo, provides advanced training. Leonardo reported the initial delivery of the first two M-345 trainers to Rome in 2020.
M-345 Features
Produced at Leonardo’s Venegono Superiore site, the M-345 trainer is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine and can reach a maximum speed of 764 km/h (475 mph), according to Leonardo data.
Cost-Effective Training Platform
The company asserts that the platform „delivers performance superior to those of a high-end turboprop jet at comparable operating costs.” Due to its „full-digital avionics and innovative human-machine interface,” the M-345 is well-suited to the training syllabus, assisting pilots in their transition to new-generation fighter jets.
Advanced Cockpit Technology
The M-345 boasts three-color touch-screen Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD), creating an „immersive flying experience.” Pilots also benefit from HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controls, enabling them to fly without removing their hands from the „main controls,” according to Leonardo.
International Interest
While Leonardo has yet to secure an international order for the trainer, prior developments include a signed Letter of Intent with South Africa’s Paramount Group to assess a weaponized configuration for the African market and a campaign to win a deal with Slovakia.
Aiming for Slovakian Air Force Deal
„Leonardo considers the innovative dual-role jet trainer M-345 as [an] ideal solution to Slovakian Air Force’s future fighter pilots training,” the company said in a 2021 statement. Since then, strategic agreements between Leonardo and Slovakian companies have been signed.
