Leonardo and Textron pitch M-346N for upcoming US Navy T-45 replacement
The M-346N would receive some minor tweaks and additional capabilities to support at-sea training operations. (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo and Textron’s joint effort to introduce the M-346N aircraft into the US Navy’s training programme has promised to offer a proven efficient training enterprise as the T-45 replacement.
A collaboration between Leonardo and Textron could offer a “no-drama” and “low-risk” solution for the US Navy’s (USN) Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition to replace the troubled T-45 Goshhawk trainer, company representatives told Shephard in a recent interview.
FY2025 navy budget documents, released last month, alongside an unofficial Request for Proposal (RFP), indicated that the service could start buying replacement jet trainers in 2026. An official RFP could be released at the end of 2024 or early next year.
Leonardo and Textron Aviation Defense have offered the naval version of the M-346 aircraft, dubbed M-346N, the only twin-engine solution
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris]()
Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris
Airbus says it will aim to have a working prototype of the MQ-72C Logistics Connector by the end of the decade as it bids for a contract with the US Marine Corps.
-
![Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement]()
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
-
![Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers]()
Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers
The order includes jammers for Australian EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft follows an order for deployment on US Navy Growlers in December last year and an announcement in March that full-rate production was near.
-
![Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes]()
Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes
While details are light after the President’s comments, the US Air Force (USAF) has long needed to boost its fighter aircraft capabilities, according to USAF and analyst viewpoints.
