Textron and Leonardo have announced a partnership to offer the Beechcraft M-346N for the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System program. The proposed aircraft aims to replace the T-45 Goshawk, which currently trains naval aviators in preparation for advanced carrier operations.
Derived from Leonardo’s original M-346 design, the M-346N integrates next-generation features tailored for naval pilot training. Key systems include a fully digital cockpit, quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire controls, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, and a pilot-activated emergency recovery feature.
A standout aspect of the M-346N is its Live-Virtual-Constructive capability, which merges live training flights with virtual simulation and synthetic threat environments. This immersive approach enables pilots to gain valuable experience across a range of combat scenarios in a controlled setting.
The M-346N is 11 meters in length with a 10-meter wingspan and is powered by dual Honeywell F124 engines. It reaches a top speed of 590 knots, offers a range of 1,300 nautical miles, and boasts a service ceiling of nearly 45,000 feet, making it a high-performance candidate for the Navy’s future training needs.
