Aermacchi M-346 Master
Aermacchi (Leonardo) · Italy · first flew 2004 · fighter
The M-346 Master is a modern twin-turbofan advanced jet trainer with fly-by-wire controls, designed to prepare pilots for fourth and fifth-generation fighters.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.49 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin side intakes with prominent wing-root extensions
- Tandem stepped canopy
- Single fin over an agile swept wing
Identify it by twin fuselage-side intakes flanked by large leading-edge root extensions and a single tail fin. A tandem stepped cockpit sits ahead of the mid-set swept wing. Two turbofans give it lively performance without afterburning.
Specifications
- The Aermacchi M-346 Master has a length of 11.49 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.72 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1092 km/h (679 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It emerged from a joint Italian-Russian trainer study before Aermacchi developed the Western M-346 independently. The aircraft first flew in 2004 and entered service around the start of the 2010s. It has since won a string of international training competitions.
Variants
The core M-346 Master trainer is complemented by the M-346FA and FT light-combat and fighter-attack versions carrying weapons and a radar. Integrated ground-based training systems form part of the package. Continuous avionics updates keep the fleet current.
Where you'll see it
The type has no RAF service, the UK having selected the BAE Hawk T2 for its advanced training. The M-346 nonetheless equips Italy, Israel, Singapore, Poland and Greece among others. It is valued for high angle-of-attack handling that mirrors front-line fighters.
Related aircraft
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