Beechcraft M-346N Goes on Nationwide Tour Showcasing Capabilities for US Navy

Textron Aviation Defence initiated a nationwide tour this week to present the Beechcraft M-346N as a comprehensive "ready-now" solution for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. The aircraft departed from Beech Factory Airport after being assembled at Textron Aviation Defence's headquarters in Wichita, Kansas.

The Beechcraft M-346N is an integral component of a well-established integrated training system derived from the original M-346, developed by Leonardo. This system is actively utilised for training pilots of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft for air forces globally.

Assembled in the United States and supported by Beechcraft’s 85-year tradition of training U.S. military pilots, the M-346N signifies the next advancement in jet trainer capabilities. This platform is operationally validated and poised to provide a comprehensive and advanced training solution to the U.S. Navy today.

Travis Tyler, President and CEO of Textron Aviation Defence, announced that Textron Aviation Defence and Leonardo have entered into a teaming agreement to collaborate in meeting the Navy’s requirements for its new jet trainer. The U.S. Navy has issued several Requests for Information in anticipation of an upcoming Request for Proposals for a new aircraft for the UJTS program.

The Beechcraft M-346N provides a comprehensive training ecosystem, encompassing high-fidelity ground-based devices, adaptive AI-powered instruction, and a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) architecture that seamlessly integrates aircraft, simulators, and computer-generated forces in real time. Additionally, the system includes a Precision Landing Mode designed to prepare naval aviators for carrier-based operations.

With over 100 M-346 aircraft manufactured by Leonardo currently in service and exceeding 150,000 flight hours, the platform has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability in fulfilling the stringent training requirements of 20 global users and counting. These achievements result in minimised training risks and expedited student readiness.

The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft featuring fully digital flight controls and avionics. It is equipped with a fly-by-wire flight control system with quadruple redundancy and an advanced human-machine interface, which includes a Head-Up Display and Large Area Display in each cockpit. The aircraft also incorporates hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls and innovative safety features, such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS).

Fitted with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N delivers an inherently high level of safety along with impressive performance, including a maximum cruise speed of more than 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft.

The aircraft's sophisticated aerodynamic design allows for outstanding manoeuvrability and energy management. Additionally, the elevated rear cockpit provides instructors with excellent visibility throughout all phases of flight. This results in a training aircraft that effectively transitions from basic instruction to the high-performance demands of carrier-based fighter operations.