- Yes
- No
Description: The M346 FA is the combat version of the M346 advanced trainer. It’s development began in the mid-2000’s when the Italian company Alenia/Aermacchi decided to develop an actual combat version of the new M346 trainer. This new version was planned to equip a total of 9 hardpoints (even if it normally only uses 7), a search and track radar, and upgraded avionics in order to fulfill any possible mission, like CAS, air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, and policing. It was presented for the first time at Le Bourget in 2017, but it was never ordered by anyone initially, as the Italian Air Force didn’t show any interest in acquiring the aircraft in good numbers to replace the AMX A11B. The first actual order came from Turkmenistan, who ordered a total of 4 units plus 2 additional M346 FT, but it is unclear if these are actually FA since they were never seen armed with something. Some years later, in 2023, Nigeria ordered 12 units to equip its lacking air force, with the first aircraft being expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. But before any unit was delivered, the Nigerian Air Force doubled the order, for a total of 24 units. Very recently, in mid-2024, Brazil and Austria showed interest in the aircraft, with the latter one looking forward to ordering a total of 30 aircraft, 24 for the air force and 6 for the navy. But the specific subject of this suggestion is none of the previously mentioned, being the first trance of FA ever produced, the Preserie. A total of 2 units of the Trance were made, the CPX625 and the CPX 622, with the first making its first flight in 2017. These two units are currently being used by Leonardo to test various technologies and weapons, and in the future they will also receive the new Block 20 upgrades, which feature a lot of new technologies, such as an AESA radar, a lad (large area display), and new weapons.
Why it should be in game: It would be a very good benefit for the Italian TT after the AV8B+. The export models could also be added as event/premium or squadrons.
Specifications
Riepilogo
Sources
Riepilogo
M-346 FA - Caccia Leggero Multiruolo
https://aresdifesa.it/m346-fa-per-il-brasile/
Aermacchi M-346FA: maestro nel multiruolo
Farnborough International Airshow 2024: con Leonardo per parlare di M-346, AW249 e AW609 - Aviation Report
Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master - Wikipedia
M346 Technical description manual
Weapons
Riepilogo
Machineguns/Cannons
1x FN M3P 12.7 mm machinegun pod
1x 20 mm M621 Giat cannon pod
1x 20 mm Leonardo/Nexter gun pod
1x DEFA 30 mm gun pod
1x GSH 301 30 mm gun pod
Air to air missiles
6x Aim9L
6x Aim9m
6x Aim9L/I1
6x IRIS-T
6x Mica RF
6x Mica EM
4x Derby ER
Unguided Bombs
4x MK82
4x MK82 Retar-ded bomb
4x MK83
4x MK83 Retar-ded bomb
4x MK20 rokeye
4x BL755
4x BLU 107 Durandal
Rokets
28x Hydra 70 mm
28x 51 mm Aerea rokets
28x LAU 7 rokets
28x LAU 500
28x LAU 32 rokets
28x AL 7-70 rokets
12x SNIA BP 122 mm rokets
Guided Bombs
4x GBU12
4x GBU49
4x GBU16
4x Teber81
4x GBU38
4x GBU32
4x Paveway IV
4x Lizard I
4x Lizard II
4x Lizard III
4x Lizard IV
16x GBU39B
4x Opher
16x Spice 250
Air to ground missiles
12x Dual mode Brimstone/ Brimstone 2
4x AGM65B Maverick
4x AGM65D Maverick
Targeting pod:
Litening V
Sniper
Atlis 2
ECM pod
ELT 555
Fuel Tanks
3x 630 L fuel tanks
Pictures