Polish Air Force M-346 Demo Team
About the Aircraft
The Aermacchi M-346 Master is a family of military twin-engine transonic advanced jet trainers and light combat aircraft. Designed for the principal role of lead-in fighter trainer, it delivers pilot training for the latest generation of combat fighter aircraft. It is capable of transonic flight without using afterburners and has significant operational capabilities beyond training, including close air support and air policing duties.
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
11.49 m (37 ft 8 in)
Wingspan
9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)
Height
4.76 m (15 ft 7 in)
Max Speed
1,090 km/h (680 mph, 590 kn)
Range
1,925 km (1,196 mi, 1,039 nmi)
Service Ceiling
13,716 m (45,000 ft)
g limits
+8 to -3
Historical Development
The M-346 Master was developed by Alenia Aermacchi, which was formed following the merger of several aviation companies. It was designed to meet the training needs of modern air forces, providing advanced training capabilities to pilots transitioning to more complex aircraft. The aircraft has been adopted by various air forces around the world, including Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland.
Did You Know?
- Originally developed as a joint project between Aermacchi and Yakovlev, the M-346 Master emerged as a standalone aircraft after the two companies parted ways in 2000, leading to the creation of the Yak-130 by Yakovlev.
- The M-346 Master made history in December 2008 when it became the first all-Italian built aircraft to break the sound barrier in 50 years, achieving a maximum speed of Mach 1.15.
- Designed for advanced pilot training, the M-346 incorporates a full-authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system, allowing it to simulate the performance of modern fighter jets and enhancing the effectiveness of training exercises.
- The aircraft is not only a trainer but also has combat capabilities; the M-346FA variant can perform ground attack, air policing, and reconnaissance missions, making it a versatile asset for air forces.
- The M-346 features an innovative Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) that allows it to simulate various combat scenarios and equipment, enabling pilots to train in realistic environments without the need for live munitions.
Test Your Knowledge
Performer Information
The M-346 Demo Team is a relatively new demonstration team of the Polish Air Force, formed just last year. They made their debut at the 2023 Radom Airshow and received high praise for their incredible performance.
The team typically consists of two skilled demo pilots, showcasing the capabilities of the M-346 Master in various aerial maneuvers. They were awarded a special recognition from the General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces for their performance.
The team operates from the 4th Training Aviation Wing at the 41st Training Air Base in Deblin, Poland
Inactive Status
The team’s 2024 season was tragically cut short due to a fatal crash during a rehearsal for an airshow in Gdynia. It is currently unclear when, or if, the team will return.
