USAF certifies Polish M-346 training system for F-16 and F-35 pilots
The Polish Air Force flight training school in Deblin has received a certificate from the USAF to confirm that its Leonardo M-346 Beilik aircraft is equivalent to the training on the US T-38 Talon to the level of Introduction for Fighter Fundamentals (IFF).
The school met all the requirements to train F-35 and F-16 pilots too. The certification process took place at the end of last year and lasted a week.
The certification does not only mean that Polish aircrew will not have to fly to the US for training, but pilots from Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria may also be trained in Poland.
Deblin M-346 instructor Major Pilot Mariusz Fischer said: ‘The Polish training system was tested at the end of last year by American officers. A team of several US Air Force pilots, representing both combat and training units, came to us and carefully checked how we train.’
He added that the officials assessed the teaching skills of instructors and verified training phases in the M-346 flight simulator, including mission planning, briefing, aerial activity and debriefing.
‘The Americans also evaluated our infrastructure for functionality, number of aircraft and simulators available. They also analysed the training documentation and the flight safety system. Everything has been thoroughly evaluated,’ Fischer said.
The instructor pointed out that although the inspection yielded very positive results and the US was satisfied with the level of sophistication of the training system, ‘their number is inadequate to the fleet of aircraft acquired and this could affect the maintenance of the expected training pace.’
Acquisition of an additional simulator seems to be inevitable to reach the desired capacity of the system.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, by the end of 2022 the Polish Air Force will have a fleet of 16 M-346s that enables it to complete its lead-in-fighter training fleet modernisation.
More from Training
-
First US Navy T-54A training aircraft delivery arrives
Arrival of the first two T-54A multi-engine training system aircraft will allow the US Navy to begin the decommissioning process of its ageing T-44C Pegasus aircraft on schedule.
-
MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment
A recent demonstration by the French Army saw MASA’s SWORD simulation software integrated with Bohemia Interactive’s Virtual Battlespace to conduct a counter-battery scenario that showcased enhanced training capabilities via realistic visualisation and the execution of military operations.
-
Babcock unveils “realistic” military modular training facility
The immersive training facility has been designed to offer realistic environmental simulations and biometric monitoring.
-
Turkey completes Romania air policing mission
Turkish F-16 experience was praised by Romanian fighter pilots as Turkey completes first participation in NATO southern mission.
-
First ARTEMIS F-5 arrives in US for training programme
The Avionics Reconfiguration and Tactical Enhancement/Modernization for Inventory Standardization (ARTEMIS) programme has involved upgraded cockpit, avionics and supporting aircraft architecture. A total of 22 additional F-5s were procured from Switzerland to support ARTEMIS.
-
Babcock to partner with companies to develop improved VR training system
Ship and vehicle builder Babcock has been looking to build on its defence training division through new partnerships.