The only new generation advanced/lead-in fighter trainer currently available in Europe, the M-346 Master is tailored to train pilots to fly new generation combat aircraft and is well suited for every phase of advanced and pre-operational training, to reduce the flight hours on the more expensive aircraft. The aircraft embodies the latest design-to-cost and design-to-maintain concepts, with avionics modelled upon those of new generation military aircraft such as Eurofighter, Gripen, Rafale, F-16, F-22 and the future JSF.

Born of a number of state-of-the-art design characteristics embedded in this aircraft, the M-346’s comprehensive superior platform blends full authority Fly-by-Wire flight control system with advanced aerodynamics and high thrust-to-weight ratio. The systems provide the aircraft with high performance in terms of energy manoeuvrability, acceleration, capability to fly at angles of attack—comparable to the ones of the latest generation fighters (over 35°). The M-346 avionics and comprehensive embedded simulation systems takes advantages from the unique expertise gained by Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, with the MB-339CD and allows the pilot to be trained in modern weapons system and mission management tasks in a high performance environment.

Consequently, at the lower end of the training spectrum, the M-346’s flying characteristics and performance ensure an easy transition for student pilot coming from the basic trainer. At the upper end of the training spectrum, the M-346 is capable to download training modules from the OCU Phase flown on much more expensive fighters. Hence, considering all the economical issues, the M-346 is able to provide the customer with great savings in the total cost to produce a combat ready pilot.