Textron and Leonardo have joined forces to propose the Beechcraft M-346N light aircraft for the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. Their collaboration targets an upcoming Department of Defense solicitation to find a replacement for the aging T-45 Goshawk jet trainer, which is used to prepare naval aviators for carrier-based aircraft operations.
The M-346N is based on Leonardo’s proven M-346 platform, a jet that has been training fourth- and fifth-generation fighter pilots worldwide since 2004. The aircraft features a two-seat configuration, advanced digital flight controls with quadruple redundancy, and safety systems such as an automatic ground collision avoidance system and a pilot-activated recovery system.
Among its training capabilities, the M-346N includes Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) technology, blending real flight with simulated environments and synthetic threats for a realistic pilot experience. Powered by twin Honeywell F124 engines, the aircraft can reach speeds of 590 knots, fly up to 13,715 meters, and travel a range of 1,300 nautical miles.
