Alenia Aermacchi M-345

M-311/M-345
The M-311 at the Paris Air Show in 2007
Role Light attack aircraft and advanced trainer
National origin Italy
Manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi
First flight 1 June 2005
Status Under development
Number built 2
Developed from SIAI Marchetti S.211

The Alenia Aermacchi M-345 (M-311 before 2012) is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft. It is a development of the SIAI Marchetti S.211/Aermacchi S-211.

Design and development

The M-345 is a small tandem two-seat shoulder-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan. It is based on the earlier S-211, with the addition of both structural and equipment improvements. The airframe has been strengthened, and a glass cockpit and modern avionics have been added. As a basic trainer, the aircraft is designed to complement the Aermacchi M-346 advanced trainer. The aircraft was designed with a secondary close air support capability with five underwing hardpoints.

The prototype aircraft first flew in June 2005.[1]

In April 2008, Alenia and ENAER of Chile signed an agreement to jointly manufacture and sell the M-346 and M-311 in South America.

On 28 May 2008, Boeing and Alenia signed a joint agreement to cooperate on marketing, sales, training and product support for both the M-346 and M-311.[2][3]

On 1 June 2015, Alenia Aermacchi presented the M-345 jet to the DGA for the nascent French Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet replacement program. It is developing the Williams International FJ44-4M-powered M-345 for the Italian air force.[4]

Variants

Alenia Aermacchi M-345 at Paris Air Show 2013.
M-345 For Italian Acrobatic Team "Frecce Tricolori"
M-311 
Modernized and uprated version of the SIAI Marchetti S.211/Aermacchi S-211; two prototypes built.[5]
M-345 
Redesignation of the M-311 from 2012.
M-345 HET 
Re-engined High-Efficiency Trainer version to be powered by 1 Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan[6]

Specifications (M-311)

Data from Alenia Aermacchi official site

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development


References

External links

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