Alenia Aermacchi M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET)

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The Alenia Aermacchi M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) is a new basic-advanced training aircraft developed along with the Italian Ministry of Defense and expected to enter service in the 2017-2020 timeframe. The avionics package of the new aircraft are intended to offer a more effective and cheaper alternative compared with advanced turboprop trainers. The M-345 will offer a smooth transition to the more capable M-346 advanced jet trainer thanks to a similar cockpit. The M-345 HET will be equipped with a turbofan engine in the 3,500 pounds of thrust class and will offer long endurance and high load factors between +7/-3,5 g. Furthermore it will be provided with a HUD (Head Up Display) in the front cockpit and a repeater in the rear cockpit and multi-function digital displays for both pilot stations and HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controls. The M-345 program was launched at the Paris air show on June 18, 2013. The Italian Air Force has a requirement for 45 T-345 aircraft as replacement for the MB-339 jets.With regards to logistics, operating costs will be reduced due to the fact that the M-345 will be designed with a two-level maintenance concept, eliminating the third and most onerous level of general revision of the aircraft.