Leonardo: first flight for the M-346 Fighter Attack optimized with Grifo radar

(To Leonardo)
23/07/20

Flight baptism for the new M-346 Fighter Attack which last July 13 successfully made its first flight in the operational configuration that integrates an optimized version of Leonardo's Grifo radar.

This is the new light attack version of the M-346 aircraft developed under the "M-346 Light Fighter Family of Aircraft (LFFA)" program which aims to offer different levels of multi-role capability on the basis of a single platform. which ensures a high degree of effectiveness in both training and operational roles.

Lucio Valerio Cioffi, head of the Aircraft Division by Leonardo, commented: “I am very satisfied with the work done and especially with the times in which we did it. Thanks to the achievement of this important milestone, the most advanced training aircraft available on the market will soon have the most versatile M-346 Fighter Attack at its side. It is an aircraft that retains all the training characteristics of the trainer which, with the integration of latest generation equipment and sensors, becomes an effective light attack aircraft. We continue the development path of the aircraft to be ready to deliver the first industrial production specimen to the international launch customer in 2021 ".

The aircraft is equipped with the Grifo-M-346 multi-mode mechanical scanning radar, developed by Leonardo and optimized for the M-346FA: a reliable and high-performance solution that offers great accuracy and allows wide system modularity. Furthermore, the M-346FA is protected by a complete passive defense system (DASS - Defensive Aids Sub-System), while the integrated communication system and the tactical Data-Link ensure wide operational interoperability, with the possibility of integrating a Datalink. LINK-16 type in case of NATO requirements.

The M-346FA adopts a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface loads (also with IR, radar and / or laser / GPS guidance), cannon pod, reconnaissance pod, target designator and electronic warfare, integrated with the "Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD)", interactive viewers placed on the pilots' helmet.

With regard to the training system, the M-346FA benefits from the technological level of the trainer version including the so-called "Live Virtual Constructive", ie the ability to integrate the training aircraft with the simulator on the ground and virtual elements "friends" and / or "enemies" ”, To test the future pilot with the complexity of every possible tactical scenario.

The M-346 version trainers it is currently in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel and Poland.