MASTER OF THE SKIES

Soaring across the skies above France is the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, the newest acquisition of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The A-4SU Super Skyhawks have long been a staple of training for prospective RSAF fighter pilots at Cazaux Air Base in France. However, after 17 years of service, the Skyhawks are making way for the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, an advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by Italian company, Alenia Aermacchi.

In 1993, initial development of the M-346 began, and a variant, named Yak/AEM-130, went into production in 1996. After many modifications and improvements, the Yak/AEM-130 evolved into the M-346, which was rolled out on 7 Jun 2003 and flew for the first time on 15 Jul 2004.

In July 2010, the RSAF placed an order for the M-346 to fulfil the role of advanced jet training. The RSAF acquired 12 M-346s and a ground-based training system, with delivery completed in February 2014.

Reducing the training gap

One of the main advantages that the M-346 boasts over the old Skyhawks is that it provides a training experience closer to that of operational frontline fighter jets such as the F-16s and F-15.

On the capabilities that the M-346 aircraft brings to the RSAF, Commanding Officer 150 Squadron (SQN), which flies the M-346, Lieutenant Colonel Kelvin Wan said: "The M-346 helps to enhance pilot training by introducing advanced combat skills at an earlier stage of training. Skills such as radar employment, Beyond-Visual-Range missile engagements and precision weapons delivery are all possible now, with the M-346."

Major John Sng, one of the first four RSAF flying instructors to be trained on the M-346, also felt that training on the new platform would provide a smoother transition for trainees onto fighter platforms: "Compared to the A-4SUs, the M-346 gives me a better field of vision, which is very critical in phases of flight, such as landings, and when I teach combat manoeuvres."

Ushering in the new jet

Bringing a new jet up to Full Operational Capability (FOC) is no easy feat. The squadron put together a team of experienced personnel to facilitate the crossover from the Skyhawk. Flying instructors were trained to operate the M-346. They also drew up an entirely new set of training programmes and doctrines tailored specifically to maximise the enhanced performance capabilities of the M-346.

With this three-step strategy, 150 SQN successfully completed the challenging task and celebrated the FOC milestone in February. In March, Lieutenant Pan Shang Hua became the first pilot trainee in the world to fly solo on the M-346.

Embedded tactical training system
The M-346 has an embedded tactical training system that can generate a battlefield with both airborne and ground threats. It can also simulate onboard sensors and weapons that are representative of the RSAF's frontline fighters. Together with an advanced avionics suite, the M-346 is able to train system management skills such as radar tactical scenarios and counter-measure deployment - scenarios which were previously unavailable with the Skyhawks.

High power
Powered by two Honeywell F-124-GA-200 engines, each producing 6,280 pounds of thrust, the M-346 can pull up to 8Gs and reach transonic speeds (close to that of sound) without the use of afterburners.

The delta wing
The M-346 also features a state-of-the-art aerodynamic design with a delta wing (a single triangular swept-back wing) to provide greater agility and control, even at ranges of motion that could cause other aircraft to stall. Coupled with a fly-by-wire flight control system, the M-346 provides a highly accurate representation of modern fighter jets' performance.

Downloading training scenarios
Another key feature of the M-346 is its data link. Advanced scenarios that were traditionally performed during the air crew's operations conversion unit phase can be downloaded into the M-346's system, and subsequently carried out on the aircraft.