Aermacchi Launches New
Honeywell-Engined Advanced High-Tech Jet-Trainer

Development plans expected to be unveiled by Aermacchi at the Farnborough show for the next-generation M-346 highly-agile twin-engined transonic advanced trainer include participation by Honeywell's International Turbine Engine Corp. to supply its F124-GA-200 turbofans. Each ITEC engine has a nominal 6,300 lbs thrust rating, although growth to 6,800 lbs thrust is being considered. A scheduled first flight of the M-346 prototype in June 2002 indicates that the project has reached an advanced stage.
The characteristics defined by Aermacchi for the M-346 include a sustained capability for high angle-of-attack operations, and use of leading- and trailing-edge flaps, supplied by Italy's Hamilton Standard Microtecnica. These features match those of the Yak/AEM-130, the flight development of which has been undertaken jointly with Yakovlev since mid-1998.

High AoA trials completed in Italy by the Yak/AEM-130 in early 1999 demonstrated a sustained 35 degrees alpha capability, with a maximum achieved of 41 degrees. With two 4,852 lbs thrust ZMK DV-2S turbofans, the Yak/AEM-130 also attains a maximum level speed of 560 kt, and its advanced aerodynamics confer an additional transonic capability. Aermacchi/Yak cooperation plans included flight trials of a Yak-130 prototype with western avionics in the current year, and with F124 turbofans.

A potential market is foreseen for 600 M-346s, representing more than $2 billion in revenues. Aermacchi is optimistic that the M-346 will be the ideal candidate for a future Eurotrainer, to prepare students for such advanced combat aircraft as the Eurofighter, Gripen, and Rafale.

By John Fricker