M-346N Pitched To Replace Navy's T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainers
After all, a big part of the Textron-Leonardo team's pitch is that the M-346 isn't just a jet, but is tied into a whole training enterprise that is already in use on a global scale, including for international F-35 pilot training.
In June of last year, the Navy released a new request for information for its new trainer, under the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. Heller says he expects the service to award a contract for its new jet trainer in early 2027. In the past, the Navy has indicated a minimum buy of 145 aircraft.
While the Navy had been grappling with whether or not its new jet trainer needs to be carrier-capable, Heller tells TWZ that the Navy has now signaled to the company that the 'aircraft carrier is no longer going to be a direct part of real aircraft training,' with carrier approaches to be practiced from land bases and in the simulator. You can read more in detail about the arguments the Navy presented in the past for making this decision here.
The M-346N will offer some unique features over likely competitors, including twin engines. Although M-346 is not a supersonic trainer with an afterburner, the aircraft is still highly maneuverable and features a throttle detent system that mimics an afterburner to new pilots.
Check out all the latest on the M-346N offering in our video below:
Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
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The Hill
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San Francisco Chronicle
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