Leonardo has announced the launch of a program to increase the capacity of the integrated training system represented by the M-346 aircraft and including avionics, navigation and identification capabilities, mission equipment and ground training. The initiative is in line with the modern needs of pilot training, in order to align their skills with the evolution dictated by the new multi-domain operational contexts, the most advanced air combat technologies and the management of the numerous and complex information in the field .
This latest development benefits from the intrinsic growth capabilities present in the M-346 design and ten years of operational experience at major air forces in different geographical areas, and is an integral part of the broader initiative to digitalize the aeronautical business of Leonardo, fully in line with the Company's long-term strategy. Consequently, the training and operational variants of the aircraft will take advantage of these capacity increases to respond even better to market needs for a wide range of applications, while maintaining significant further development margins in the future. The designations foreseen for the new standard thus become 'M-346 T Block 20' and 'M-346 F Block 20'.
The new Block 20 standard will not be limited to the platform itself but will be extended to the entire system, also including the ground training part and will be made possible by the extensive implementation of digital solutions based on Artificial Intelligence.
The cockpit of the standard Block 20 will feature two large digital displays, one for the pilot and one for the co-pilot, replacing the current total of six multifunction displays, as well as a new head-up display. These will be combined with a new video and data recording system and a new helmet-mounted augmented reality display. The new cockpit will be in line with those of the most sophisticated and future front-line combat air systems, with advantages in terms of training quality (for example symbology and ergonomics and a high-fidelity immersive environment) and awareness of the operational context. The M-346 'Block 20' will also benefit from new navigation capability, armament management, flight management, friend/foe identification transponder (IFF – Friend or Foe).
In particular, for the M-346 F variant a further increase in capacity is foreseen represented by a radar with electronically scanned antenna (AESA - Active Electronically Scanned Array) with fire control capability and the integration of new weapon systems both air-to-air and air-to-surface, in addition to the relevant datalink.
The entire ground-based training system (GBTS – Ground Based Training System), focused on multimedia solutions and classroom courses, flight and mission simulation, training in a virtual and live/constructive environment, will be brought to the new standard with support for virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence applications.
Furthermore, even more robust digitalisation will translate into even more efficient technical support thanks to the implementation of virtual maintenance and the concept of fleet connectivity, a high-performance infrastructure that uses advanced data analysis and large computing power to enhance integrated logistics assistance services.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Director of Leonardo, declared: “Training represents a core area of expertise for our Company and the M-346 Integrated Training System is the backbone of our value proposition to ensure military pilots are adequately prepared to meet the challenges presented by modern and complex operational contexts, today and in the future. As we are fully involved in the development of next-generation air combat systems, the recent progress made with the M-346 demonstrates our commitment to making appropriate training solutions an integral part of our activities. We firmly believe that the aircraft's constantly evolving characteristics will continue to offer unparalleled advantages for operators in this market segment, both for training and operational tasks, making it an ideal candidate for the future of pilot training from hunting in Europe and other geographical areas”.
Marco Zoff, Managing Director of Leonardo's Aircraft Division, added: “Ensuring continuous capability increases for our M-346 has been part of our DNA for years and we are pleased to have announced this new standard, demonstrating how the aircraft continues to be on the technological frontier. We have made significant investments as part of a 360° digital transformation to provide state-of-the-art products and services, also visible in these new capabilities introduced by the M-346. We are ready to demonstrate the advanced features and new possibilities of the Block 20 standard, both for training and operational tasks, in this phase of integration of the new solutions into what we consider a true training and operational ecosystem".
With over 100 aircraft delivered to major operators in the world and more than 120.000 flight hours accumulated in service with them and within the unique services provided by the International Flight Training School – IFTS in collaboration with the Italian Air Force, the M-346 has established itself as the most complete training system for military pilots and is meeting the new needs for operations characterized by a great cost/effectiveness ratio. The latest interventions on the platform allow the advantages and features connected to it to evolve, for the benefit of current and future users.
