M-346 in cold test certification

Leonardo has carried out cold test certification of the M-346 in January in Kiruna, Sweden, the company announced on 2 February. 

The testing ensures that the aircraft and all systems behave as expected in extreme cold conditions. This included starting all engines, systems and APU after the aircraft had been left outside in a ‘cold soak’ for around 12 hours in recorded temperatures of -20°C, on an icy and snow covered ramp and runway, in wind and heavy snowfall. The behavior and performance of systems were then evaluated.

Testing also including de-icing operations, evaluation of braking performance on contaminated runway, and a dedicated flight test. According to the company all testing gave positive indications.

The M-346 underwent hot climatic testing in 2011 in Kuwait, in temperatures reaching up to +60°C.