First production M-345 aircraft performs maiden flight
Leonardo’s first production M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) aircraft successfully performed its maiden flight at Venegono Superiore airport in Varese, Italy, on 21 December.
The Italian Air Force (ITAF), the launch customer for the M-345 (designated the T-345A by ITAF), has a requirement for up to 45 aircraft to progressively replace its existing 137 MB-339s, which first entered service in 1982. The ITAF has so far placed an order for five aircraft and the first will be delivered in early 2020.
The new M-345 basic-advanced jet trainer aircraft will integrate the M-346s used during the advanced training phase of the ITAF’s pilots. Through the International Flight Training School, the air force will be able to strengthen its training school’s growth while increasing capabilities and services.
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