M-345

During 1997, the Italian aircraft manufacturer Aermacchi acquired SIAI-Marchetti, which included the rights to the latter's S.211 jet-powered trainer aircraft. This led to the development of an improved version initially known as the M-311, envisioned to include an advanced cockpit, structural improvements, and a new Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan engine. The first prototype flew on 1 June 2005. A second prototype followed, incorporating features of the envisioned production model. In 2012, the M-311 was revised, updated, and re-designated by Alenia Aermacchi as the M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer). Subsequently, in October 2014, the Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine was selected to power the trainer. The M-345 first flew on 29 December 2016, and the first production-standard M-345 flew from Venegono Superiore in December 2018. Service entry was anticipated during 2020 and was eventually achieved in December 2020.

The Aermacchi M-345 is a compact, twin-seat, shoulder-wing monoplane trainer aircraft, evolved from the earlier S.211, incorporating structural enhancements, modernized equipment, and updated systems. The airframe has been reinforced, complemented by a glass cockpit and contemporary avionics. It is equipped with retractable tricycle landing gear and is powered by a single Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine. Serving as a basic trainer, the M-345 is designed to work in conjunction with the Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainer and includes a secondary close air support capability, featuring four underwing hard points. The cockpit, designed for compatibility with night-vision goggles, features three 5x7in multi-function displays, a wide-angle head-up display for the pilot, and a repeater display for the instructor. The integrated avionics suite includes dual mission computers, embedded GPS/inertial navigation, radar altimeter, V/UHF radios, an integrated audio warning system, IFF transponder, and traffic alert/collision avoidance systems. Optionally, it can include a digital moving map, stores management system, and an embedded simulation capability.

The M-345 is equipped with four underwing hardpoints, enabling it to carry over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of external stores. This includes a variety of munitions such as gunpods, bombs, and rockets. Furthermore, the M-345 possesses the capability to employ IR-guided air-to-air missiles.

In January 2017, the Italian Air Force (IAF) placed an initial order for five M-345s, with a stated requirement for up to 45 aircraft to replace the Aermacchi MB-339s used for basic training and by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. By December 2020, the M-345 had entered service, stepping in to replace the Aermacchi MB-339 while supplementing the MB-346 Master. As of 2022, the 61° Stormo, operating from Lecce-Galatina Air Base, supports flight training for an international flight school, utilizing the M-345 alongside the MB-339A/CD and M-346.

Main Variants:

• M-311: A modernized version of the SIAI-Marchetti S.211 powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan engine, with two prototypes built.

• M-345: A redesignation of the M-311 from 2012, powered by a Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine.

• T-345A: The Italian military designation for the M-345.