Leonardo and Nexter, a KDNS company, have signed an agreement for a joint development program to introduce a new cannon pod on the M-346 Fighter Attack (FA).
Following the positive results of the feasibility study, which demonstrated the possibility of integrating a Link & Case Recovery (LCR) system, Leonardo and Nexter, a KDNS company, have decided to undertake a joint development process for the integration of a new 20mm cannon on the M-346 FA.
A 20mm cannon offers an advantageous solution compared to the 12.7/.50 caliber in terms of range, accuracy and final result. The easy-to-integrate, operate and maintain 20M621 is an ITAR-free NATO caliber-based solution designed for airborne applications. Like other weapons and systems developed and manufactured by Nexter for the air domain, it is light and offers effectiveness and performance.
Dario Marfè – Senior Vice President Commercial, CSS&T & Proprietary Programs Business of Leonardo Velivoli said: Leonardo is convinced that Nexter is the right partner. Nexter's 20mm cannon solution will increase the effectiveness of the M-346 FA in Homeland Defense, COIN, CAS/Close-In operational missions, providing customers worldwide with an “ITAR free” solution.
Philippe Reynes - Head of Weapon Systems and Turrets Programs at Nexter Systems said: "We are extremely satisfied with the relationship of trust built with Leonardo thanks to carefully studied solutions for the specific needs of aircraft. For example, there is a large attention to safety thanks to the ability for the Pod to recover sweaters and shells. In addition, the NC621 is mechanically harmonized to ensure maximum accuracy. This system is exemplary of our capabilities in the development of medium caliber weapons."
Nexter, a leader in armament technologies also in the aeronautical sector, is one of the few suppliers capable of developing and producing medium-caliber cannons and ammunition.
The M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is the "light combat" version of the M-346 advanced trainer, with multi-role capability for close air support missions, even in urban areas, and battlefield interdiction, territory defense national and tactical reconnaissance. The M-346FA maintains all the training characteristics of the trainer and, through the integration of latest generation equipment and sensors, becomes an effective operational light attack aircraft.
The aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-mode radar: a reliable and performing choice that offers great accuracy and allows ample 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 (TDL - Tactical Data Link), which can also be integrated in the compliant with NATO requirements, ensure broad operational interoperability. The M-346FA can adopt different types of armaments and external loads, including air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions (including IR-guided, radar and/or laser/GPS), cannon, reconnaissance and target designation pods, integrated with the "Helmet Mounted Displays" (HMD), interactive viewers placed on the pilots' helmets.
The in-flight Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) can also be used in advanced and pre-operational training roles, offering the full spectrum of in-flight simulated training activities in connection with the 'Integrated Training System (ITS) of the M-346, which is equipped with Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) capabilities. Thanks to its in-flight refueling capability, the M-346FA can perform long-range missions with increased range and high persistence capability. The M-346FA allows operators to fulfill a greater number of roles through a single platform. For example, it is possible to effectively fulfill the roles of "aggressor" and "companion trainer", guaranteeing users a highly flexible platform in today's dynamically evolving context.
