Textron and Leonardo have partnered to offer the Beechcraft M-346N light jet trainer for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program, aiming to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk used to qualify naval aviators for carrier operations.
Derived from Leonardo’s proven M-346 platform—first introduced in 2004 and currently in use at Italy’s International Flight Training School—the M-346N is tailored for advanced pilot instruction, including training for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.
Key features include a tandem two-seat layout, modern glass cockpit, quadruple-redundant digital flight controls, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, and a pilot-activated recovery feature. The platform also integrates Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) technology, enabling pilots to engage in real-time simulated scenarios alongside live training.
Powered by twin Honeywell F124 engines, the M-346N reaches speeds up to 590 knots (1,093 km/h), with a range of 1,300 nautical miles (2,407 km) and a maximum altitude of 13,715 meters (44,997 feet). The aircraft measures 11 meters in length with a wingspan of 10 meters.
