Italians will make the M-346 Master modular
The Italian company Leonardo decided to make the M-346 Master training aircraft modular. According to Aviation Week, thanks to this, customers of the basic version of the aircraft will be able to easily change it by adding the necessary equipment. As a result, they will be able to turn the training aircraft into a light fighter or attack aircraft, reports "Nplus1".
The main task in the development of a modular aircraft, according to Leonardo, is to preserve the basic design of the airframe. In this case, the engineers will have to calculate the mounting points of the suspension points for armament so that they do not adversely affect the service life of the airframe.
In addition, part of the equipment that is located on the nose of the training aircraft is planned to be transferred to the tail section. The vacated space will take the radar. It is planned to propose options for modifying the M-346 training aircraft before the combat versions after they are certified. To certify the version of the lightweight fighter planned for 2018 year.
It became known earlier that a light fighter based on the Master will retain the basic flight characteristics of the original aircraft. In addition, the combat aircraft will inherit an air refueling system and basic onboard radio-electronic equipment. The aircraft will receive five suspension points for rockets and bombs.
On the promising combat aircraft will install an upgraded radar Grifo-346, which will receive an active phased antenna array. The updated radar will be able to detect enemy aircraft at a greater distance.
The main task in the development of a modular aircraft, according to Leonardo, is to preserve the basic design of the airframe. In this case, the engineers will have to calculate the mounting points of the suspension points for armament so that they do not adversely affect the service life of the airframe.
In addition, part of the equipment that is located on the nose of the training aircraft is planned to be transferred to the tail section. The vacated space will take the radar. It is planned to propose options for modifying the M-346 training aircraft before the combat versions after they are certified. To certify the version of the lightweight fighter planned for 2018 year.
It became known earlier that a light fighter based on the Master will retain the basic flight characteristics of the original aircraft. In addition, the combat aircraft will inherit an air refueling system and basic onboard radio-electronic equipment. The aircraft will receive five suspension points for rockets and bombs.
On the promising combat aircraft will install an upgraded radar Grifo-346, which will receive an active phased antenna array. The updated radar will be able to detect enemy aircraft at a greater distance.
Information