First Polish M-346 aircraft rolls out

The first of eight Polish Air Force M-346 twin-engine transonic trainer aircraft has been rolled out at Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s facility in Venegono-Superiore, it was announced on 6 June.

The advanced trainer aircraft will now undergo a flight test programme for the certification of bespoke systems chosen by the Polish Air Force, such as the brake parachute, the company said. It will be delivered to Poland along with the second aircraft by the end of 2016. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by November 2017.

Mauro Moretti, chief executive officer and general manager, Leonardo-Finmeccanica, said: ‘Leonardo-Finmeccanica is the only company in the world able to offer a complete technological solution that reduces pilot training times and prepares them to fly sophisticated, new-generation military aircraft.

‘Today, many countries are turning their attention to integrated training systems that include both aircraft and ground-based simulation systems. These capabilities already have a proven track record at the Italian Air Force’s training centre in Galatina (near Lecce) where 11 NATO and Allied Air Forces are trained; pilots obtain their licences via systems and aircraft built by Leonardo-Finmeccanica.’