Italian aerospace firm Leonardo has completed the delivery of M-346 advanced trainer aircraft to the Polish Air Force, boosting Poland’s fleet to 16.
The third and final delivery of four advanced jet trainers last week made the Polish Air Force’s the second-largest fleet of M-346 aircraft in Europe.
“We are very proud to have equipped the Polish Air Force with an advanced training system based on our M-346,” Leonarod Senior Vice President Dario Marfè said.
“We are committed to providing our customers with the best and most advanced products, based on Leonardo-developed solutions to support them in accomplishing their missions.”
In February 2014, the Polish government inked a 280-million-euro contract with Leonardo to acquire eight advanced jet trainers, locally known as Bielik.
The agreement included logistical support, a training program for pilots and engineers, and a ground-based training system with dedicated classrooms and educational materials.
‘Game-Changer’
The 38-foot (11.5-meter) trainer is equipped with integrated onboard technology that creates tactical training simulations, enabling the aircraft to emulate sensors, weapons, and computer-generated forces.
With digital capabilities that train pilots in live flight, virtual simulations, and constructive environments, the Bielik aircraft are considered game-changers for Polish combat pilots.
“The wide flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and ‘carefree’ maneuverability at high angles of attack make the M-346’s handling similar to that of next-generation combat aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-35,” Leonardo said.
“This maximizes training effectiveness and reduces flight hours on front line aircraft.”
The Polish Air Force has been operating the trainers at its 41st Training Air Base in Dęblin.
In July this year, the European nation secured an M-346 training certification from the US Air Force for the training of fourth and fifth-generation fighter pilots.
The certification is a milestone for Poland to train its pilots for F-16 and F-35 aircraft at home rather than abroad.
“The Americans also assessed our infrastructure in terms of its functionality, number of available aircraft, and simulators. They also analyzed the training documentation and the flight safety system,” Poland’s Major Pilot Mariusz Fischer said.