The new M-345 Tutor II basic trainer aircraft is one of the cornerstones of Leonardo’s offer for the Canadian Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. In this video, Test Pilot Quirino Bucci, Head of Test Pilot Training Programs for Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, presents in detail the main features of the jet trainer proposed to Canada. Ideally suited for Canada’s entire training syllabus, the Aermacchi M-345 Tutor II is poised to provide comprehensive basic and advanced flight training for Royal Canadian Air Force student pilots that is scalable, innovative and customizable.
Heir to a long tradition in jet trainers with the Aermacchi MB-326 and MB-339 – highly successful aircraft with over 1,000 units produced and that entered into service with air forces worldwide – the M-345 proposes the concept of a simple, efficient, high-performance basic-advanced jet trainer, fast and highly manoeuvrable, giving student pilots a true “jet experience” unmatched by competitors’ turboprop trainers. The new M-345 Tutor II is potentially replacing the aging CT-114 Tutor still currently in service.
The Aermacchi M-345, developed while exploiting the consolidated experience gained by the Aircraft Division in designing and manufacturing its wide family of trainer aircraft over the past 60 years, delivers the superior performance and training effectiveness typical of a jet aircraft at costs comparable to high-powered turboprop trainers. Life-cycle-cost reduction is driven by long fatigue life and low level of maintenance, the latter made possible by the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) that eliminates the most expensive maintenance activities.
Based on the latest M-346 avionics include the latest human-machine interface with HOTAS controls, Head-Up Displays (HUD), Multi-Function Displays (MFD), while the on board Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) system allows the whole spectrum of simulated training functions in flight with a link to a LVC, Live Virtual, Constructive environment. Thanks to its modern avionics, high external load capacity (more than 1,000 kg, 4 under-wing pylons) and performance with the capability to employ weapons like IR air-to-air missiles, gun pod, rockets and 500 lb class bombs.
