Aermacchi M345

Il_Signor_Regio · July 21, 2023, 5:05am

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Description: After the S211 and the S311, here is the Leonardo M345, the last of the S211 evolution. It was developed as a trainer with a lot of new simulation technology and features, but it can also operate as a light fighter-bomber. Its development started in the 2000s with the name “Aermacchi M311,” an evolution of the SIAI Marchetti S211, a trainer aircraft from 1984. One prototype of the S211 was reconverted into a M311. The main modifications compared to the S211 were a reinforced structure,two better engines, and better avionics. After all this time, in 2012, the aircraft was modified again, and it got the name Aermacchi M345. The first prototype (which was a modified M311) flew in December 2016, but the first real prototype of the M345 (this one was not a reconverted aircraft like the first one) flew for the first time on December 21, 2018. At that time, the Italian Air Force was looking for new trainers for her pilots and acrobatic aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori National Team to replace the old MB 339 in service from 1979. The Italian Air Force signed the first contract in January 2017 for a total of five aircraft and a second one in August 2019 for 13 more aircraft. The total necessity is from 45 to 50 for replacing all the 137 MB 339, but for now no new contract has been signed, at least from what we know for now. The first two aircraft were delivered to the Italian Air Force in December 2020 as the 60 Stormo, and they are named in the Italian Air Force as T345A. The M345 got initial certification for an intense flight program of over 200 flights. Talking about the aircraft itself, it is equipped with two Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engines, which provide the aircraft with a total of 1540 kg of thrust and a total speed of 787 km/h. There are a total of 4 pylons under the wings capable of carrying different weapons such as air-to-air missiles,unguided bombs, and rockets with a total of 1000 kg of payload. The main differences between the M345 and the M311 are various parts for the cockpit of the M346, various avionic parts from the M346, two more modern and better engines, and also the implementation of more weapons (the M311 was able to carry only gun pods, rockets, and bombs, while the M345 is capable of carrying AIM9L air-to-air missiles).

Why it should be in the game:
**it will be good as a CAS aircaft at a good BR **

Caracteristics:

Spoiler

Wingspan: 8.47 m

Leght: 9.85 m

Max Speed: 787 km/h

Max altitude : 12,192m - 40,000ft

Engine: Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan PUSH

Stall Speed 170 km/h

Rate of Climb 4,700 ft/min

Take-off/Landing Ground Run :2,050 ft 625 m

Ferry Range:10% reserve, Clean 720 nm 1,330 km

Ferry Range:10% reserve, 2 Ext. Tanks 1,000 nm 1,850 km

Endurance:10% reserve, Clean/ 2 Ext. Tanks 150 min/ 210 min

Max Thrust:1,540 kg

Max Internal Fuel: 700 kg

Weapons:

Spoiler

4x Aim 9 L
4x MK84 Bombs
4x 20 mm gun pod
4x 12.7 mm gun pod
4x 7.62 mm gun pod
4x 70 mm Hydra Roket Launchers
4x MAM-L Air to Ground Missile
4x Teber 81 Guided bombs
Litening II
Recce pod
Fuel pod