Page 111 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

Activated Attitude Recovery System), combine to ensure the Aermacchi M-346 is a very safe aircraft.
The Aermacchi M-346’s Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) allows the aircraft to emulate on- board sensors and an impressive range of weapons. The Aermacchi M-346 has the latest generation human-machine interface (including Helmet Mounted Display), as well as in-flight refueling probe and five hard-points for different external loads for both air-to-air and air-to-ground. Combined, these features provide the trainee pilot with a training eco-system which is truly representative of the latest generation fighter aircraft.
The Aermacchi M-346 is at the core of the Leonardo Integrated Training System, which includes a complete Ground Based Training System (GBTS) of simulators, academic modules, mission planning system and a computer-based training management system. The system allows the simultaneous integration of in-flight aircraft, Full Mission Simulator and Computer Generated Forces (CGF) which enables the trainee pilot to interact in real time with a virtual tactical scenario: the so-called “Live Virtual Constructive capability” (LVC). The LVC reproduces the most complex net- centric operational scenarios, further enhancing the effectiveness of the Leonardo LIFT solution for training the new generation of combat pilots.
Leonardo responded last year to the Commonwealth’s Air 6002 Request for Information, committing to deliver to the Royal Australian
Air Force an immediately available and effective solution for training its pilots destined to latest generation fighters, centered on the M-346 advanced jet trainer.
The M-346 training system is at the forefront
of technology and represents a proven, non- developmental LIFT solution. In addition to the Aermacchi M-346 central role to the Italian combat pilot training system, (inclusive of fully developed and operational LVC (Live, Virtual, Constructive) capability), the Aermacchi
M-346 is currently delivering fundamental inputs
to fighter pilot capability for the Israeli, Polish and Singaporean Air Forces.
All of them current or future F-35 operators.
Recently the Aermacchi M-346 has been chosen by the Hellenic Air Force in the frame of a wider agreement between Greece and Israel and by an undisclosed customer. It has also been delivered to its international launch customer in its radar equipped Fighter Attack version.
The Aermacchi M-346 aircraft is the core of
above mentioned IFTS - the International Flight Training School - operated by the Italian Air Force with Leonardo and the collaboration of CAE - to reinforce their training offer for NATO and allied Countries. The IFTS is aimed at the establishment of an advanced flight training centre, an international benchmark for military pilots’ training, particularly in the Phase IV (Advanced/Lead-In to Fighter Training), capable of satisfying the growing demand of partner Countries for the training of their pilots.
The project brings together two national excellences: the expertise and tradition of the Italian Air Force and Leonardo’s capabilities in the training sector. The Qatar Emiri Air Force’s and German Air Force’s - and now the Japan Air Self- Defense Force (JASDF)’s - decisions to send their pilots to train in Italy at the IFTS provides clear evidence of the recognition of the Italian training system and testifies the potential of this ambitious international project.
The Aermacchi M-346 is a technologically advanced comprehensive LIFT solution with unparalleled program maturity and operational readiness, able to deliver next generation fighter pilots through an eco-system that is both operationally outstanding and cost effective.
Finally, yet importantly, thanks to its performance the Aermacchi M-346 can become also an effective “aggressor” platform - the aircraft already acted as “enemy” versus fighters in several NATO exercises - or a companion trainer for front-line squadrons, actually covering the range of additional roles envisaged by ADF Combat Support requirements.
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