Leonardo M-346 trainer aircraft: Aerospace and defense giant Leonardo has announced a significant upgrade to its M-346 integrated training system, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The announcement, made at the Farnborough International Air Show, outlines a comprehensive package of enhancements to the aircraft’s avionics, navigation, mission equipment, and ground training capabilities.
The M-346, already a proven platform with over 100 aircraft delivered worldwide and 120,000 flight hours logged, is set to receive a substantial overhaul. The core avionics, navigation, identification, and mission equipment will be upgraded, as will the ground training capabilities. This move reflects Leonardo’s commitment to aligning pilot training with the rapid evolution of combat air technology and information management.
The company emphasizes that this enhancement builds upon the M-346’s inherent growth potential and leverages a decade of operational experience. The upgraded aircraft will be designated as the M-346 T Block 20 for the trainer variant and M-346 F Block 20 for the fighter variant. However, the improvements extend beyond the aircraft itself, encompassing the entire training system and incorporating advancements in digitalization and artificial intelligence.
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Leonardo M-346 trainer aircraft.
The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature a more intuitive layout with two large area displays replacing the previous six multi-functional displays. A new low profile head-up display and augmented reality helmet-mounted display will further enhance pilot situational awareness. These changes align the human-machine interface with the latest generation of combat air systems, providing a more immersive and realistic training environment.
Additional upgrades include new navigation, weapon management, and flight management systems, as well as an improved IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder. The fighter variant, M-346 F, will receive even more substantial enhancements, such as an AESA radar with fire control capability, integration of new air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, and a built-in missile datalink.
The ground-based training system will also be modernized with virtual reality support and AI applications, offering a more comprehensive and effective training experience. Leonardo is also investing in digitalization to streamline technical support through virtual maintenance and a “connected fleet” system, utilizing advanced data analytics and high-performance computing to enhance integrated logistics support.
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Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, highlighted the importance of training as a core competency for the company. In a statement sent to Defence Star, Mariani said the M-346 upgrade was a testament to Leonardo’s commitment to providing cutting-edge training solutions for the challenges of modern warfare.
Marco Zoff, Leonardo Aircraft MD, expressed enthusiasm for the M-346’s continued evolution. He highlighted the company’s significant investments in digital transformation and the positive impact it will have on the aircraft’s capabilities.
With these advancements, Leonardo aims to solidify the M-346’s position as a leading training platform and expand its role in combat operations. The company expects the upgraded aircraft to benefit existing and future operators, both for training and light fighter missions.
The M-346 Block 20 is scheduled to be available for demonstration in both training and combat mission configurations as Leonardo works to integrate the new solutions into a comprehensive training and operational ecosystem.
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