Article Posted on : - Apr 11, 2011

The M-346 trainer jet. An Alenia Aermacchi photo

VARESE, ITALY (BNS): The first M-346 advanced fighter trainer aircraft for the Italian Air Force has made its maiden flight last month, the aircraft’s manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi announced.

The aircraft, designated T-346A by the Italian Air Force, successfully took to the skies on March 31. The flight lasted for 40 minutes and the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet, covering the planned flight envelope in terms of speed, angle of attack and load factor.

The flight also included manoeuvres to assess aeromechanical handling of the aircraft and systems functionality, Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, said.

“The first flight of the T-346A, soon to enter service with our country’s Air Force, is an important milestone for the M-346 programme, a milestone reached through the dedication of the entire work force of the Venegono plant,” Giuseppe Giordo, CEO of Alenia Aeronautica said.

The M-346 is the only new generation advanced/lead-in fighter trainer, currently available in Europe. The aircraft is tailored to train pilots to fly new generation combat aircraft including Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Rafale, F-16, F-22 and the future Joint Strike Fighter.

The first two M-346 jets for the Italian Air Force were unveiled by the company in December 2010 with their delivery scheduled for this year.

Italy has ordered six M-346 jets for its air force with an option for nine more.