The M-346FA, a ground attack hunt for the Italian Air Force

(To Tiziano Ciocchetti)
25/10/18

The Air Force currently deploys 18 T-346 MASTER training aircraft, powered by the 61 ° Stormo.

Given the reduction in the number of F-35 to be acquired and the need to replace the AMX GHIBLI, now in service, even in the updated version, for over thirty years, it would be desirable to put into service also the attack and reconnaissance version called M-346FA.

Presented at the Dubai Air Show last year, the M-346FA (Fighter Attack), developed and produced by Leonardo's Aircraft Division, is an aircraft capable of carrying out missions close to the ground and deep reconnaissance. The technical features of the FA version include the avionics upgrade, seven attachment points for the armament (two at the wingtips for mounting the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles for self-defense), full capacity dual role. It is also equipped with the GRIFO-346 shooting control radar as well as the possibility of using a wide variety of air-to-surface weaponry (up to 2.000 kg of laser / GPS guided and non-guided bombs), external pods with 30 cannons mm, laser target designers LIGHTING II.

The self-protection system is ensured by the DASS (Defensive Aid Sub System) which includes a radar warning receiver, chaff and flare dispenser, in addition to the MAW (Missile Approach Warning), equipped with six sensors with 360 ° coverage against possible missile attacks.

Maneuverability, good autonomy (extensible with refueling in flight), excellent visibility in low-level flight, low operating and management costs. These are just some of the peculiarities that make the M-346FA an excellent ground attack vector for the Air Force.