PAN's Commander Jan Slangen flies on Alenia Aermacchi's M-345 HET

PAN's Commander, Staff Off. Pil. Jan Slangen, made his first flight on Alenia Aermacchi's avionic demonstrator M-345 HET with the livery of the famous Frecce Tricolori.

Venegono Superiore  09 July 2014

PAN’s Commander Jan Slangen flies on Alenia Aermacchi’s M-345 HET

 

Last 3rd of July, at Alenia Aermacchi’s plant in Venegono Superiore (Varese), PAN’s Commander, Staff Off. Pil. Jan Slangen (Italian Aerobatic Team), made his first flight on Alenia Aermacchi’s avionic demonstrator M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer) with the livery of the famous Frecce Tricolori.

 

The M-345 HET will make its debut in the skies of the Farnborough Air Show, the most important international aerospace and defence show, that will take place in London from next 14th to 20th of July.

 

PAN’s Commander Jan Slangen, just after landing from his first flight - lasted around one hour -  on the M-345 HET avionic demonstrator, commented: "We are dealing with a very interesting machine, with a very high potential,  both as basic trainer and as aerobatic aircraft. We took off from Venegono track to reach the operation zone and, after some first orientation basic and acrobatic manoeuvre, we tried to set a presentation mini-profile  with a sequence of manoeuvres of our acrobatic programme.  Personally, I am very satisfied with the energy of this aircraft, and with its maneuverability and particularly contained costs.
Obviously, it still is an avionic demonstrator, some improvements are still needed but their implementation will be simple, as they all were already included in the final development of the prototype.”  

 

Background information

The M-345 HET represents the most recent solution proposed by Alenia Aermacchi for the advanced basic phase of the training syllabus for military pilots. The M-345 HET provides the air forces with a cost-effective solution, thanks to a meaningful acquisition and operational cost reduction, similar to those of more powerful turboprops which, although being of the same weight class of the M-345 HET and equipped with similar on-board systems, provide nonetheless definitely lower performance and lower training effectiveness.
In June 2013 Alenia Aermacchi and the Defence Secretary Genera/DNA (National Armaments’ Directorate) of the Defence Ministry  signed an agreement to jointly define the operational specifications and to collaborate in the development of a new advanced-basic trainer aircraft, called M-345 HET, High Efficiency Trainer.  The aircraft entry into service is envisaged for the end of 2017.

 

Technical Data
•    Enhanced performance (speed, energy and maneuverability)
•    State-of-the-art Digital Avionics and Embedded Training Simulation
    HUD (Head Up Display) in the front cockpit, a HUD repeater in the rear cockpit;
    Multi-Function Displays for both cockpits;
    HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) control;   
•    Redesigned/Upgraded Airframe with improved Maintainability and Accessibility (high fatigue life limit)
•    Latest generation turbofan Engine with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance tasks, with a maximum thrust in the class of 1,550 kg (3,400 lb)
•    Design load factors of +7/-3.5 g.
•    Excellent potential as Light Combat aircraft
•    Life Cycle & Acquisition Cost comparable to a Heavyweight Turboprop.