M-346

A Fi nmeccani ca Company
M-346
The M-346 has been designed to provide the best possible balance between high training efectiveness and operational
capabilities and low life-cycle cost. It is designed to the latest design-to-cost and design-to-maintain concepts, with
avionics modeled upon those of ffth-generation combat aircraft.
The M-346 exploits non-conventional features and advanced technologies to provide superior performance, fying qua-
lities and safe operations. These characteristics, together with the man-machine interface and the advanced mission
management suite ofered by its Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS), make the M-346 truly representative of
next generation combat aircraft. In addition the M-346 performance level, fight characteristics and on-board systems
ofer signifcant capabilities also in operational roles.
INTRODUCING THE M-346 ADVANCED & LEAD-IN FIGHTER TRAINER
M-346 characteristics contribute to maximize its teaching efectiveness and to allow fight hours to be downloaded from
Operational Conversion Units. In addition, the aircraft is also ideally suited to potentially satisfy the Companion Trainer
requirement at reasonable cost.
In its training role the M-346 has been conceived as the core of an Integrated Training System (ITS) which includes:

o Training Delivery System
- Aircraft with built-in ETTS
- Synthetic Training (Full Mission Simulator and Part Task Trainer)
- Academic Training (Computer Aided Instruction and Computer Based Training)
- Mission Handling (Mission Support Station to defne training mission and support briefng and
de-briefng phases)
o Integrated Logistic Support
o Training Requirements
- Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
o Training Management Information System (TMIS)
INTRODUCING THE M-346 OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES
From the beginning of the program, the M-346 has been conceived with additional operational capabilities, with the goal
of providing a very capable multirole combat aircraft, particularly suited to ground and surface attack roles including CAS
(Close Air Support), COIN (COunter INsurgency) or anti-ship missions as well as air police missions.
Among the characteristics which make the M-346 an efective combat platform are:

o the structure designed to carry up to three tons of various weapons
o nine stores stations
o an aerodynamic confguration which allows the integration of a wide range of external stores
o provision for multi-mode radar
o survivability built-in to the aircraft basic design
o large fuel capacity for enhanced combat persistence
o remarkable speed and maneuverability even when fully armed or with one engine inoperative
M-346 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Aerodynamics the M-346 introduces aerodynamic solutions previously found only on fghters. Wing LERXs (Leading Edge Root eXtensions) generate vortex
lift, while computer-controlled leading edge faps ofer variable camber wings. These solutions enhance aerodynamic efciency, maneuverability and high
angle of attack fight. Diferential all-moving horizontal tailerons further increase controllability, particularly at high angles of attack. This is complemented by
the engine air intakes, placed under the LERX and canted upwards, to provide distortion-free airfow to the engines in all fight attitudes.
Flight Control System Quadruple-redundant, self-reconfgurable in case of failure, Full Authority Digital Fly-By-Wire. The Flight Control System (FCS) has four
identical fight control computers at its core. In conjunction with its peculiar aerodynamics, the FCS endows the M-346 with fight characteristics similar to the
latest fghters.
The FCS ofers both manual (three-axis stability and control augmentation, carefree handling) and automatic (fight director and auto-pilot) capability. It also
serves as a data exchange interface between the avionics system, back-up instruments
and engine FADECs. The quadruplex architecture allows the M-346 to operate safely
even after two consecutive failures.
The reconfgurable FCS can be tailored to present students with progressive levels of dif-
fculty as they build up towards front line fghter characteristics: diferent limits of Angle
of Attack, Maneuver Load Factor and Roll Rate can be selected, helping inexperienced
pilots transition from basic trainers to combat aircraft.
A Pilot Activated Recovery System (PARS, the so-called panic button) is ftted for auto-
matic recovery from unusual fight attitudes. When activated it returns the aircraft to a
level wings slightly climbing fight-path to allow the pilot to recover control.
Structure Airframe designed to damage tolerance concepts. Main structural elements
of aluminum alloys, with titanium alloys and steel used in specifc areas. Most fuselage
skins, access doors and panels, air intakes and ducts made from composites (carbon f-
ber, Kevlar). Metal-to-metal bonding used for control surfaces to minimize part count.
Structural S-HUMS segment to monitor individual aircraft usage and evaluate expired/
residual airframe fatigue life of. Fatigue life up to 10,000 fight hours.
Landing Gear Equipped with single wheels on telescopic suspension actuated by primary and emergency hydraulic systems which also power the parking
brake. Brake-by-wire and anti-skid braking technology Dual-gain and fail-safe nose wheel steering uses steer-by-wire controls.
Power Plant Two interchangeable modular Honeywell F124-GA-200 twin-shaft turbofans, designed to on-condition maintenance philosophy: no scheduled
overhauls, replaced by respectively 4000 and 2000 hrs cold and hot sections inspections. The engine features low by-pass ratio for high performance in the
high subsonic regime, HP compressor variable inlet guide vanes and centrifugal last stage for fexible and surge-free operations throughout the entire fight
envelope, closed-circuit self-contained aerobatics lubrication system, passive anti-ice system and dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
FADEC controls engine start and automatic relight in the event of fameout.
Auxiliary Power Unit The APU provides autonomous engine starting via air turbine starter, electrical and pneumatic power (air conditioning) for ground
operations and emergency needs.
Fire Protection Based on a fre detection system which uses heat sensors in the engine and APU bays and a fre suppression system using the HFC-125 fre-
extinguishing agent.
Fuel System Includes one fuselage and two wing integral tanks. Total capacity 2,500 l. Separate fuselage tank front section acts as engine feeder tank. Fuel
supplied to engines via two redundant AC electrical pumps. The DC electrical pump feeds the APU and works as back-up to AC engine pumps. The feeder
tank, being always full, also provides fuel during negative and zero g fight. Fuel transfer by gravity from wing to fuselage tank, by jet pumps from rear fuse-
lage to front feeder tank. Three 630 l droppable tanks can be carried. Single point pressure refueling/defueling. Gravity refueling by standard adapters. Night
operations-compatible air-to-air refueling system via removable probe.
Electrical System AC and DC power provided by two independent 20 KVA main generators, each driven by a diferent engine, two 9 KW Transformer-Rectifer
Units (TRU), one APU-driven generator and two batteries. In case of a main generator or TRU failure, the other provides the complete AC or DC electrical load.
An APU-driven auxiliary generator provides sufcient power (5KW, 28V DC) for ground operations. Two Ultra Low Maintenance NiCd batteries for APU starting
and emergency operation of fight essential DC loads (30 minutes of operation). Standard
receptacles for external AC and DC connection.
Hydraulic Systems Two totally independent hydraulic systems (20.7 MPa/3000 psi
working pressure) ensure aircraft operation in case of failure of either system. Each sy-
stem feeds separate engine driven pumps. The hydraulic systems actuate:
- prlmary and secondary nlght control surfaces,
- landlng gear (emergency extenslon by lndependent clrcult),
- nose wheel steerlng,
- wheel brakes (actuated by both systems, one ln emergency).
Safety M-346 safety of operations and survivability in combat is built-in via:
- Twln-englne conguratlon
- Two completely lndependent Hydraullc systems
- Two completely lndependent Llectrlcal systems
- 8ack-up batterles (ln case of fallure of all generators)
- Quad-redundant PCS (four lndependent computers - each wlth lndependent sensors)
- Plre detectlon and suppresslon system
- Self-recongurlng PCS ln case of fallure or damage from enemy actlon
- Carefree handllng throughout the nlght envelope
Environmental Control System Provides cabin air conditioning and pressurization, anti-g suit infation, avionics compartments and equipment ventilation and coo-
ling. Automatic electronic control maintains selected temperature. ECS supplied by engine bleed air or APU. 3.5 psi cabin pressure diferential.
Ejection Seats Martin Baker Mk. IT16D model with 0-0 capability. Through canopy escape. Interseat Sequence Subsystem in each seat ofers selectable escape mode
combination.
Oxygen System On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) used to reduce logistic support. Includes individual seat-mounted breathing regulator, oxygen analyzer
and status indication system. Back-up oxygen subsystem uses an oxygen bottle located under the seat pan. Emergency oxygen system, activated manually or automati-
cally on ejection, uses an oxygen bottle located behind the seat backrest.
Maintenance Numerous quick access doors and panels throughout airframe. On-Condition and Condition Monitoring maintenance for equipment and systems. Two-
level maintenance concept (Organizational and Intermediate) for aircraft, equipment and systems. No depot level aircraft maintenance required.
HUMS (Health & Usage Monitoring System) and Built-In-Test (BIT) enable monitoring and on-board systems and equipment data collection, in addition to airframe health
(S-HUMS). The related Ground Support System provides a tool to quickly assess aircraft systems status after landing, reducing troubleshooting activities and speeding
scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
Aircraft designed to be self-sufcient: APU, autonomous engine start, OBOGS, minimal specifc GSE.
Avionics Based on a Main Computer and Symbol Generator (MCSG) and a Miscellaneous Compu-
ter (MISCO). Two dual-redundant digital data buses (MIL-STD-1553B). Modular avionics architecture
to integrate new systems/equipment, sensors and weapons, providing signifcant growth potential.
The Communication/Identifcation subsystem includes:
- vHP/UHP transcelvers (two)
- |PP transponder
- TCAS (optlonal)
Navigation subsystem functions include:
- Autonomousmode, basedonlaser gyrolnertlal platformwlthembeddedGPS(|N/GPS) andsensors
- Padlo-Aldedmode, basedonTACANandvOP/|LS/M8 wlth the followlng addltlonal modules:
- Padar Altlmeter
- Dlgltal Movlng Map
- Ground Proxlmltywarnlng System
- volce Command
Pilot-Vehicle Interface Representative of latest generation glass cockpit environment, Night Vision Goggles (NVG) compatible instrumentation and lighting, it ofers the same
layout in each crew position with:
- Head-Up Dlsplay (HUD) raster/stroke type
- Up-Pront Control Panel (UPCP)
- Three llquld crystal, color Multl Punctlon Dlsplays (MPD)
- Hands On Throttle And Stlck (HOTAS) controls
- Get Home Dlsplay, for backup nlght data dlsplay
- Helmet-Mounted Dlsplay (HMD) provlslon
- Voice command
EMBEDDED TACTICAL TRAINING SIMULATION (ETTS)
A complete in-fight Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) suite is a key M-346 feature and, in turn, the core element of an Integrated Training System (ITS). ETTS
enables the M-346 to ofer the whole spectrum of simulated training functions. ETTS provides student and instructor with the following simulations:
- a tactlcal envlronment (dlgltal map wlth threats and targets),
- other forces present (frlend and foe),
- on-board sensors (such as multlmode radar and actlve/passlve electronlc countermeasures),
- weapons.
An M-346-based ITS therefore requires no actual deployment of various air and surface threats, installation of expensive on-board sensors, carrying and fring of training
weapons. This greatly reduces logistic and pilot training costs. In complex tactical training missions the ETTS makes possible the reduction or elimination of additional
aircraft by replacing all or part of them with Computer Generated Forces (CGF), both friend and enemy.
ETTS functions can support Stand Alone (fying a singleton mission) or multi-ship networked operations, with aircraft networked via a dedicated Training Datalink to
exchange Tactical Scenario data with other real participants.
The M-346 ETTS design includes two embedded simulation areas:
In-Flight Sensor and Scenario Simulation
Embedded Simulation of Radar, EO/IR sensors, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and Tactical
Datalink, to simulate a variety of tactical scenarios:
- Aerlal engagements uslng a multl-mode Plre Control Padar.
- Sltuatlonal Awareness and and related actlons and/or maneuvers ln the presence of hostlle
Electronic Warfare (EW), threat warnings and active threats (such as surface-to-air missile bat-
teries, anti-aircraft artillery, etc).
In-Flight Weapons Simulation
Allows weapons training without employing actual weapons. Student pilots perform simulated at-
tacks, in both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground weapon delivery modes, using representative symbology
and specifc weapon delivery parameters. On-board systems provide pilot scoring, in real-time or on
ground for mission debriefng.
PC-based Mission Support Station (MSS) used to create simulated scenarios during pre-mission
planning, which are then loaded into the aircraft avionics system via a removable and re-programma-
ble cassette; the MSS is also used for post-mission debriefng using data recorded in the cassette.
20,000 ft/0.65 MN
Radius 120 nm
Total mission time: 80 min
Training area: 40 min combat training, 0.4/0.9 MN
Confguration: 1 x SRAAM + 1 x AACMI Pod Confguration: 1 x SRAAM + 1 x AACMI Pod
AIR COMBAT MANOEUVRING TRAINING
LOWLEVEL NAVIGATION
Total mission time: 55 min (65 min)
50 min NAV, (with 1 ext. tank: 60 min NAV)
450 KCAS (0.7 MN) @1,000 ft
CConfguration: CLEAN onfguration: CLEAN
GENERAL HANDLI NG
20,000 ft/0.65
4 T/Go
MN
Radius 120 nm
CConfguration: CLEAN onfguration: CLEAN
Total mission time: 82 min
Training area: 30 min aerobatics/general handling, 100/450 KCAS
STAND- ALONE ARCHITECTURE
NETWORKED ARCHITECTURE
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M-346 Operational Capabilities
While maintaining its superior advanced/lead-in fghter trainer characteristics, the M-346 is easily feld-reconfgured to become an efective combat aircraft. In
this operational confguration the aircraft can perform ground attack, anti-ship and aerial target missions, particularly in the so-called homeland defence role.
Even when carrying a full load, the armed M-346 maintains a high thrust/weight ratio (in fact, not far from that ofered by fully armed frontline multirole fghters)
and moderate wing loading, both of which contribute to excellent overall performance and maneuverability.
Even with one engine inoperative, the M-346 is still capable of high speed and maneuverability. This translates into remarkable battlefeld survivability.
The large internal fuel capacity, complemented by up to three 630 l external tanks and a quickly removable air-to-air refueling probe, endows the M-346 with
signifcant combat radius and/or patrol endurance further enhanced by the non-afterburning engines.
Stores Management System data presentation and control functions run on any of the MFDs in either cockpits. HOTAS controls provide weapon system functions
selection. Weapon aiming is provided by the central main processor, while aiming data are presented to the pilots through HUDs and, when installed, HMD.
The nine stores pylons are equipped with pneumatic ejector release units to reduce maintenance.
Sensors The M-346 can carry a targeting pod and provides space to install radar to detect and track both aerial and surface targets.
Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) In addition to the survivability provided in the M-346 by design (non-afterburning/low infrared emission twin-engines
installation, totally duplicated main systems and power sources, quadruple FCS computers and sensors, re-confgurable fight control system in the event of
battle damage, multi-path structure etc) the aircraft has the provision to install a number of dedicated survivability enhancement equipment: Radar Warning
Receiver (RWR), Chaf & Flare Dispensers (CFD) and active Electronic CounterMeasures (ECM) pod.
Gun pod Air-to-Air Missiles
Training Bomb and Rocket dispenser Air-to-Surface Missiles
Nav/Attack pod Anti-Ship Missiles
ECM pod Free-fall bombs
Recce pod Laser-Guided bombs
Fuel tanks (3 x 630 l each) Rocket Launchers
INTERDICTION (Hi-Hi-Hi-Hi)
36,000 ft/0.7 MN
30 nm
Radius 455 nm
Confguration:
2 x SRAAM
2 x 500 lb LGB
1 x FLIR/LDP pod
2 x ext. tanks
30 nm @ 20,000 ft, 370 KCAS (0.8 MN)
Combat: 3 min @ 20,000 ft, max thrust
Total mission time: 135 min
ANTI-SHIP
36,000 ft/0.7 MN
Radius 500 nm
Confguration:
2 x SRAAM
2 x Anti-Ship missiles
2 x ext. tanks
Combat: 2 min @ 20,000 ft,
max thrust
Total mission time: 155 min
SHIP
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
30,000 ft/0.65 MN
Radius 90 nm
Confguration:
2 x SRAAM
1 x 20 mm gun pod
2 x RL (19 X 2.75)
2 x 500 lb bombs
2 x ext. tanks
60 min loiter @ 5,000 ft
Combat: 8 min @ sl, max thrust
Total mission time: 95 min
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STORES CARRIAGE
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www.aleniaaermacchi.it - Alenia Aermacchi - All rights reserved - Published by Alenia Aermacchi - External Relations - June 2012
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TECHNICAL DATA
Dimensions
Wing span 9.72 m (31.9 ft)
Length 11.49 m (37.7 ft)
Height 4.76 m (15.6 ft)
Wing area 23.52 sqm (253.2 sqft)
Weights
Take-of (clean) 7,400 kg (16,310 lb)
Take-of (maximum) 10,200 kg (22,490 lb)
Max weapon load 3,000 kg (6,610 lb)

Power Plant
Engines, turbofan Honeywell F124-GA-200
Thrust, max, sls, ISA 2 x 2,850 kg (2 x 6,280 lb)
Internal fuel (usable) 2,000 kg (4,410 lb)
Performance (Clean, ISA)
Max level speed 590 KTAS
Limit speed 572 KEAS / 1.2 MN
Stall speed (reference) 95 KCAS
Rate of climb 22,000 ft/min
Service ceiling 45,000 ft
Limit Load Factors + 8 / - 3 g
Sustained Load Factor (sl) 8.0 g
Sustained Load Factor (15,000 ft) 5.2 g
Take-of / Landing run 400 / 550 m (1,310 / 1,800 ft)
Range, clean / ext. tanks 1,980 / 2,720 km (1,070 / 1,470 nm)
Endurance, clean / ext. tanks 2h 45 min / 4 h