The Aermacchi M-345 is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft. During January 2017, Italy placed an initial order for five M-345s for the Italian Air Force (IAF). The service has a requirement for up to 45 aircraft to replace Aermacchi MB-339s used in both the basic training role and by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. In June 2019, Italy placed an follow-on order for an additional 13 M-345s, bringing the total up to 18.
| Role | Basic/advanced trainer and Light attack aircraft |
|---|---|
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo S.p.A. (ex Alenia Aermacchi) |
| First flight | 29 December 2016 (M-345 prototype) 21 December 2018 (M-345 production aircraft) |
| Status | Military Certified |
| Primary user | Italian Air Force |
| Number built | 4 |
| Developed from | SIAI Marchetti S.211 |
Specifications (M-345)
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 9.85 m (32 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 8.47 m (27 ft 9 in)
- Height: 3.74 m (12 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 12.6 m2 (136 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 3,300 kg (7,275 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,500 kg (9,921 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 700 kg (1,500 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine, 15.40 kN (3,460 lbf) thrust with 1,540 kg (3,400 lb) Max Thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 740 km/h (460 mph, 400 kn)
- Stall speed: 170 km/h (110 mph, 92 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 795 km/h (494 mph, 429 kn)
- Range: 1,410 km (880 mi, 760 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,190 m (39,990 ft)
- g limits: +7.0 −3.5
- Rate of climb: 23.97 m/s (4,719 ft/min)
- Thrust/weight: 0.45
Armament
- More than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of weapons on four hardpoints, including gunpods, bombs, and rockets, with the capability to employ IR guided air-to-air missiles.
Photos Rob Vogelaar/Marcel van Leeuwen
