Aermacchi M-345

The Alenia Aermacchi M-345 (M-311 before 2012) is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft. It is a development of the SIAI Marchetti S.211/Aermacchi S-211.

Design and development
The M-345 is a small tandem two-seat shoulder-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan. It is based on the earlier SIAI-Marchetti S.211, with the addition of both structural and equipment improvements. The airframe has been strengthened, and a glass cockpit and modern avionics have been added. As a basic trainer, the aircraft is designed to complement the Aermacchi M-346 advanced trainer. The aircraft was designed with a secondary close air support capability with five underwing hardpoints.

The prototype aircraft first flew in June 2005.

In April 2008, Alenia and ENAER of Chile signed an agreement to jointly manufacture and sell the M-346 and M-311 in South America.

On 28 May 2008, Boeing and Alenia signed a joint agreement to cooperate on marketing, sales, training and product support for both the M-346 and M-311.

On 1 June 2015, Alenia Aermacchi presented the M-345 jet to the DGA for the nascent French replacement program for its Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets. It is developing the Williams International FJ44-4M-powered M-345 for the Italian air force. The M-345 first flew on 29 December 2016.

Italy placed an initial order for five M-345s for the Italian Air Force on 13 January 2017. It has a requirement for up to 50 aircraft to replace Aermacchi MB-339s used in the basic training role and by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team.

Variants



 * M-311 : Modernized and uprated version of the SIAI Marchetti S.211/Aermacchi S-211; two prototypes built.


 * M-345HET : Redesignation of the M-311 from 2012, powered by 1 Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan