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Leonardo M-345

2020 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

Leonardo M-345 History

The Leonardo M-345 currently exists as an advanced two-seat jet trainer of Italian origin under development. The aircraft is a development of the earlier SIAI-Marchetti S.211/S-211 and was developed from the subsequent M-311 series. The program's first flight was recorded in June 2005, while the M-345 prototype made its first test flight (on-site at Venegono Superiore) on December 29, 2016.

By 2017, at least two prototypes had been built. In addition to its given role as an advanced jet trainer, the design also has a secondary light attack capability.

The M-345 is the direct successor to the 1979 Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer, itself a development of the 1962 MB-326.

Note: The SIAI-Marchetti brand label was acquired by Aermacchi in 1997, and Aermacchi changed its name to Alenia Aermacchi in 2012. This product now exists under Leonardo S. p. A. (formerly Leonardo-Finmeccanica/Finmeccanica) trademark.

The M-345 uses a traditional trainer design concept, with students and instructors sitting under a one-piece, light-frame tandem-seat cockpit, behind a short nose cone. A single engine is used to help the airframe meet its required high performance specifications. The main wing aircraft are shoulder mounted and have boundary layer fencing for added control.

The rear wing is controlled by a single vertical rib located above the engine exhaust. A horizontal plane exists at the base of the fin. The chassis is in a tricycle configuration and is fully retractable. Curb weight is 2,300kg and MTOW is 4,100kg.

Physical specifications include a length of 9.85 meters, a wingspan of 8.47 meters and a height of 12.6 meters.

Power comes from a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5C series turbofan engine rated at 3,190 pounds of thrust. Performance figures include a top speed of 740 kilometers per hour, a range of up to 1,780 kilometers, and a service ceiling of up to 12,190 meters. The climb speed is 1,440 meters per minute.

Five hardpoints can be used to carry ordnance loads of up to 2,205 lbs (for training or combat missions). Options typically include cannon pods, cannon pods, rocket pods, and traditional bomb-dropping.

The original form of this aircraft was the M-311, an updated version of the original S.211. Two prototypes were built to justify the design. It was renamed the M-345 in 2012. Another notable version is the M-345 HET, an efficient trainer powered by Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engines.

The M-345 is under consideration for the USAF's T-X Advanced Trainer Competition as well as the new Italian Air Force trainer requirement. The French Air Force is considering the Italian design as a replacement for its aging Dassault-Dornier Alpha jet fleet.

Another possible operator is Chile, which joined Alenia (via ENAER) in April 2008 to jointly produce M-345s for South American customers. In May 2008, defense industry giant Boeing joined forces with Alenia to market, sell and support M-45 products.