Textron Aviation announces Beechcraft M-346N for U.S. Navy training

Textron Aviation Defense today announced its offering of the Beechcraft M-346N for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. The U.S. Navy has released several Requests for Information related to an upcoming Request for Proposals for a new aircraft for the UJTS program. Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo have entered into a teaming agreement to work together to meet the Navy's requirements for its new jet trainer. The Beechcraft M-346N is part of an integrated training system based on the original M-346 aircraft developed by Leonardo. More than 100 Leonardo M-346 aircraft are operating for air forces worldwide, including at Italy's International Flight Training School (IFTS).

The Beechcraft M-346N - a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft with fully digital flight controls and avionics - is equipped with a fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system with quadruple redundancy, a human-machine interface with Head-Up Display (HUD) and Large Area Display in each cockpit, hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls and safety features such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS). Fitted with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N has a maximum cruise speed of more than 590 knots (1093 km/h)  and a service ceiling of 45 000 ft (13 716 m).

The M-346N integrated training ecosystem, which is based on the M-346 integrated training system, features an Embedded Training System avionics suite for basic to advanced tactical training emulating sensors, weapons, and Computer Generated Forces. This enables students to interact in real-time through a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training architecture that links aircraft in flight (Live), simulators (Virtual) and computer-generated friendly and adversary forces (Constructive). The system also features adaptive training powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which continuously analyzes student pilot performance data to personalize learning paths, automate evaluations, and tailor instruction to individual strengths and areas for improvement.

(article source: Textron Aviation / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: Textron Aviation)