Italian aerospace excellence takes center stage as the M-346N emerges as Textron’s choice to meet the U.S. Navy’s next-generation jet training needs.
Textron Aviation Defense LLC announced that, if awarded the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program contract by the U.S. Navy, it will assemble the Beechcraft M-346N at its east campus in Wichita, Kansas — the historic home of the Beechcraft brand for nearly a century. The announcement reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering the most advanced, fully integrated jet training system for the U.S. Navy.
The Beechcraft M-346N is the centerpiece of a low-risk, operationally proven integrated training system featuring Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) capabilities optimized for advanced naval training. With more than 100 M-346 aircraft produced by Leonardo and over a decade of experience training aviators for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, the M-346N offers a reliable, high-performance solution to meet the Navy’s next-generation training requirements.
The U.S. Navy has issued several Requests for Information (RFIs) ahead of an anticipated Request for Proposals (RFP) for the UJTS program. Textron Aviation Defense expects the Navy to announce the contract award in January 2027 and believes it is well-positioned to support the Navy’s objective of accelerating Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft equipped with fully digital flight controls and avionics. It features a fly-by-wire flight control system with quadruple redundancy, a Head-Up Display (HUD) and Large Area Display (LAD) in each cockpit, and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls. Innovative safety systems include the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS).
Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N delivers a maximum cruise speed exceeding 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Its advanced aerodynamic design ensures exceptional maneuverability and energy management, while the elevated rear cockpit provides instructors with outstanding visibility throughout all phases of flight. Italian pilots flying the T-346 consider it to be, at present, the best trainer aircraft on the international stage, as it most closely resembles fourth- and fifth-generation operational fighters.
The T-346, in addition to being competitive in terms of performance (it is supersonic and can reach operational altitudes comparable to those of front-line fighters), is capable—through an advanced integrated system—of replicating the equipment used by the most modern tactical aircraft, such as the Radar, Targeting Pod, and Data Link, as well as medium- and short-range Air-to-Air weapons and precision Laser-guided Air-to-Ground munitions.
Its flight characteristics combine the responsiveness and precision of a fighter aircraft with the reliability and ease of handling typical of a trainer. Among the key strengths that define not only the aircraft but the entire T-346 Integrated Training System (ITS)—making it one of the most innovative in the world—is its comprehensive integration with a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) and associated Integrated Logistic Support (ILS).
Through the ITS, student pilots learn basic onboard systems and procedures via an academic training system consisting of theoretical and procedural lessons. At the next level, students transition to a basic simulator featuring a cockpit and a 180° visual display, where they apply the knowledge acquired, learn to fly, manage emergencies, and perform more advanced training missions. The pinnacle of the simulation architecture is the Full Mission Simulator (FMS), which faithfully reproduces the aircraft cockpit and supports all the functions of the actual aircraft.
It is a highly advanced technological system. Thanks to the use of LVC (Live Virtual Constructive) technology, it can merge real aircraft (Live), simulator-flown aircraft (Virtual), and computer-generated entities (Constructive) into a single, shared training scenario—providing truly comprehensive training.
Today’s front-line and next-generation fighter pilots must not only master high-performance jets but also develop an additional skill set: managing weapon systems dominated by cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art avionics, along with sensors and munitions, in increasingly complex and high-threat environments.
The T-346, with its ability to replicate systems such as Radar, Data Link, Air-to-Air weapons (both medium- and short-range), and precision Air-to-Ground ordnance, is an exceptional tool for training in the “aggressor” role. Moreover, the capability to modify flight characteristics through pilot-selectable control modes makes it a unique Companion Trainer for operational platforms.
Lt. Col. Stefano Centioni: “The T-346 is the best trainer currently available worldwide”
Lt. Col. Stefano Centioni, Head of the IFTS Flight Training Organization at Leonardo Aircraft, graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy with the “Urano IV” class and earned his military pilot wings on the T-38C at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training School, Columbus AFB, United States.
Assigned to the AMX at the 51st Wing, 132nd Fighter Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron in Istrana, he achieved full operational status. In May 2008, he was transferred to the 313th Acrobatic Training Group — Frecce Tricolori — where he held several key appointments, including Supervisor of Acrobatic Training. In November 2014, he joined the 61st Wing at Galatina, initially serving with the 213th Squadron and Operations Office, before assuming command of the 212th Squadron, where he serves as Commanding Officer.
Lt. Col. Centioni has logged approximately 3,800 flight hours, primarily on high-performance jet aircraft. Of these, about 1,800 hours were accumulated on the MB-339 with Italy’s National Aerobatic Team, and more than 1,100 hours on the T-346A at the 61st Wing. He is qualified on SF-260, T-37A, T-38C, AMX, AMX-T, MB-339A/CD/PAN, and T-346A.
The T-346A is the most advanced Lead-In Fighter Trainer currently produced by Leonardo and the only new-generation trainer specifically configured for this role. It delivers performance and handling qualities comparable to front-line fighter aircraft and is suited to all phases of advanced training, Lead-In to Fighter Training (LIFT), and Companion Trainer duties for operational fleets.
Regarding the pathway to becoming a T-346 Instructor Pilot, Commander Centioni explains: “Instructor pilots at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) are drawn from the Italian Air Force’s tactical fighter community and its allied partners. They must meet stringent operational qualifications and demonstrate proficiency in English and advanced tactical skills as required by an international student body. The IFTS syllabus is structured around a modular Integrated Training System designed by the Italian Air Force and Leonardo, which focuses on Phase IV — Lead-In to Fighter Training (LIFT) — preparing pilots for subsequent assignment to front-line fighters. Training integrates classroom instruction, sophisticated simulators including Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments, and real flight phases on the T-346A, enabling students to develop the technical, procedural, and tactical competencies necessary for modern high-performance aircraft.”
He adds: “The Italian Air Force selects and trains its aircrew through a multi-phase syllabus. The IFTS plays a central role in Phase IV, bringing together advanced theoretical and practical instruction, simulation, and live flight. Screening and evaluation throughout the process identify those candidates who demonstrate the aptitude, resilience, and proficiency required for modern fighter roles. Instruction emphasizes not only technical and tactical mastery but also teamwork, decision-making, and adaptability in increasingly complex operational environments.”
Describing the aircraft’s flight characteristics and operational training capabilities, Commander Centioni states: “I believe the T-346 is currently the best trainer on the international market, because it most closely replicates 4th- and 5th-generation fighters. It is supersonic and operates at altitudes comparable to front-line fighters. Using a state-of-the-art Integrated Training System (ITS), it replicates radar, targeting pod, data link, medium/short-range air-to-air and precision air-to-ground munitions. Flight characteristics combine fighter-level responsiveness with trainer reliability and ease-of-handling.”
“The ITS integrates the aircraft with a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) and Integrated Logistic Support (ILS). Students first learn systems and procedures via classroom and procedural instruction. They then transition to a basic simulator with full cockpit and 180° visual display for applied training. The Full Mission Simulator (FMS) faithfully replicates the cockpit and all aircraft functions. Through Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) technology, real, simulator-flown, and computer-generated aircraft operate together, delivering fully comprehensive training.”
“Today, pilots destined for front-line and next-generation platforms must not only fly high-performance aircraft, but also manage highly sophisticated avionics, sensors, and weapons in complex, high-risk environments. It is an entirely ‘Made in Italy’ system. The T-346 — as well as the T-345, which will soon replace the MB-339 in Phases 2-3 of flight training — is manufactured by Leonardo, Italy’s leading aerospace and defense company.”
On the aircraft’s value as an aggressor and Companion Trainer, Centioni adds: “Because the T-346 can replicate radar, data link, air-to-air and precision air-to-ground munitions, it has the potential to be an outstanding training tool in the aggressor role. Furthermore, the ability to modify flight characteristics through selectable control laws directly chosen by the pilot makes it a unique Companion Trainer for operational assets.”
Finally, describing a typical training sortie, Commander Centioni states: “A mission starts with a pre-flight briefing covering safety and training objectives, and corrective actions are clearly outlined. After gearing up, the crew proceeds to the aircraft to conduct the mission. Upon landing, the debrief follows — both verbal and supported by an advanced virtual/dynamic flight replay system that allows every detail of the sortie to be analyzed with maximum precision and full 360-degree perspective. The entire process is designed to ensure the highest levels of reliability and exceptional training effectiveness.”
Di Francesco Militello Mirto– EmmeReports