Developed through a partnership between Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo, the M-346N is derived from the established M-346 aircraft. The original M-346 is currently in service with air forces around the world and plays a key role at Italy’s International Flight Training School (IFTS).
“With our heritage deeply rooted in the strength and reliability of American manufacturing, the Beechcraft M-346N joins a proud lineup of aircraft built on 95 years of aviation excellence,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense. “The aircraft can be the cornerstone for the Navy’s future of undergraduate jet training, combining operationally-proven performance with cutting-edge technologies.”
Textron Aviation Defense, based in Wichita, Kansas, manufactures Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for military use and has been a trusted supplier since the Second World War. Its current offering reflects a commitment to delivering high-performance training platforms tailored to the evolving needs of military aviation.
The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat jet featuring fully digital flight controls, a quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire system, and a human-machine interface equipped with Head-Up Displays and Large Area Displays in both cockpits. It also includes HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) controls and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) for enhanced pilot safety.
Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the aircraft reaches a cruise speed of over 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Its aerodynamic design supports high manoeuvrability and instructor visibility, essential for bridging early flight training with carrier-based fighter operations.
The M-346N is part of a complete, integrated training ecosystem designed to improve pilot readiness and reduce training costs and risks. This includes an Embedded Training System that simulates sensors, weapons, and computer-generated forces within a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) framework.
The LVC architecture links live flights, simulators, and simulated friendly or enemy forces in real time. Additionally, the system features Artificial Intelligence to monitor student performance, adjust training paths, and deliver tailored instruction based on individual strengths and needs.
Complemented by high-fidelity ground-based training tools — including simulators, planning systems, and carrier-based virtual environments — the Beechcraft M-346N provides a complete training platform. Textron Aviation Defense positions it as a scalable and cost-effective solution to meet the next generation training requirements of Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
