Aermacchi M-345 Jet Trainer Specs, Price, and Photos. An Italian company called Alenia Aermacchi developed a light jet trainer called the M-345 with the purpose of providing basic-to-advanced pilot instruction. The new aircraft is intended to fulfill a variety of training criteria that are imposed by the military forces of different countries across the world. It was in December of 2016 when the M-345 aircraft made its maiden voyage around the world. For the Italian Air Force, the fleet of older MB-339 aircraft that is currently in operation will be replaced by the M-345.
Engine of the Aermacchi M-345
When it is ready to take off, the M-345 jet trainer is propelled by a turbofan engine that is capable of producing a maximum thrust of 1,600 kilograms (3,500 pounds). The fuel is provided via an internal tank that has a capacity of 700 kg with regard to storage. The new M-345 HET model is powered by the FJ44-4M engine manufactured by Williams International, which provides better efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
The cruise speed of the M-345 jet trainer is 740 kilometers per hour. At a height of 40,000 feet, the certified aircraft service ceiling is reached. This aircraft has a climbing rate of 5,400 feet per minute and a basic range of 840 nautical miles; however, the range of the ferry can be expanded to 1,100 nautical miles by integrating two external tanks with a reserve capacity of 10%.
The M-345 jet trainer has a take-off weight of 3,300 kilograms and a limit load factor of +7/-3.5 g according to its specifications. In order for an airplane to take off and land, the ground run must be 460 meters long and 450 meters long, respectively.
Details of the Aermacchi M-345
A lightweight tandem twin shoulder wing aircraft, the M-345 jet trainer is a type of tandem twin aircraft. One thousand five hundred flight hours is the fatigue period that the strengthened fuselage provides. Both a single turbofan engine and a retractable three-wheel landing gear are incorporated into its composition.
In terms of dimensions, the M-345 jet trainer is 9.85 meters in length overall, 8.47 meters in wing width, and 3.74 meters in height. An empty weight of 3,300 kilograms, a maximum take-off weight of 4,500 kilograms, and a wing area of 12.6 square meters are all characteristics of this aircraft. Because of its capacity to carry external payload, the M-345 is well-suited for secondary missions.
An integrated pressure refueling system and a two-level maintenance concept are two of the enhanced functionalities of the M-345. Both of these concepts help to reduce the overall operating expenses. Through the utilization of the on-board jet trainer oxygen-producing system (OBOGS), the operator is able to reduce the crew required for onshore maintenance, as well as the completion time, hence increasing the amount of sorting that can be accomplished in a single day.
In order to provide information regarding structures, engines, and other systems, as well as to monitor the operational state of each individual component or system, this jet trainer is outfitted with a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) that is installed on board the aircraft.
avionics and cockpit of the Aermacchi M-345 aircraft
As a result of its sophisticated glass cockpit, the M-345 trainer is capable of accommodating two crew members in tandem mode. Hands-on throttle-and-stick control (HOTAS) and three multi-function displays (MFD) measuring 5 inches by 7 inches are included in the fully digital glass cockpit. These displays are designed for use by instructors and student pilots during flight training. The head-up display (HUD) is installed in the front cockpit, and a HUD repeater is installed in the rear cockpit. Head-up displays are also available.
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Dark adaption goggles (NVGs) compatibility, integrated global positioning systems (GPS) or inertial navigation systems (INS), digital moving maps, and two mission computers are some of the features that are included in the cockpit of the M-345. A tactical simulation suite and a store management system (SMS) are also included in the jet trainer’s arsenal of additional features.
Availability of the Aermacchi M-345 and Prices
Approximately 26 million United States dollars is the price of the most recent M-345 jet trainer. A total of thirteen M-345 aircraft, each having a value of EUR 300 million ($338.5 million), were delivered to the Italian Air Force in June of 2019. The year 2020 is anticipated to be the year that the first aircraft will be delivered.
