The prototype of the new two-seat basic training aircraft Aermacchi M-345HET (High Efficiency Trainer), successfully made its first flight on Thursday 29 December, from Venegono Superiore airport (Varese). At the controls of the aircraft the pilots of Leonardo's Aircraft Division, Quirino Bucci and Giacomo Iannelli.
Quirino Bucci, Project Test Pilot Trainers of Leonardo's Aircraft Division, expressed great satisfaction at the end of the flight that lasted about 30 minutes. The com. Bucci commented: "The aircraft performed perfectly, confirming the expectations set by the design parameters and expressing excellent performance. The engine, in particular, has shown excellent responsiveness to speed variations, a fundamental characteristic for a basic training aircraft".
The M-345 is the new jet aircraft for military pilot training designed by Leonardo. Characterized by low acquisition and operating costs, the M-345 aims to offer air forces around the world the superior performance and training effectiveness of jet aircraft at costs comparable to that of high-performance turboprop training aircraft. power.
The test campaign will be completed by 2017. The next tests will cover advanced on-board systems and engine integration for the entire flight envelope of the machine, in terms of altitude, speed and maneuvering capacity.
