Towards

fighter/attack variant called M-346FA. The latter development and qualification programme passed the critical design review in June 2019, to reach the formal qualification within 2020 and aircraft delivery in 2021. The M-346FA has already gained an international launch customer, which has acquired six platforms of the dual-role version, but due to contractual restrictions Leonardo declines to provide further contract information. Leonardo is however proposing the M-346 family in Europe for Switzerland and Austria requirements, Latin America (Argentina and Colombia) and Asia (Thailand and Malaysia) as well as Middle-East/ Africa. The M-346FA combines the M-346 AJT/ FT (Fighter/Trainer) Master platform’s high performances and training capabilities including both aggressor and companion missions with an enhanced avionics/mission configuration and armament package capable to meet air force’s growing and diversified operational requirements at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters. With a maximum take-off weight of 10,400 kg and a high-thrust/weight ratio propulsion package based on two Honeywell 6,300 lb thrusteach F124-GA-200 turbofan, coupled with a full authority, quadruplex fly-by-wire (FBW) fight control system (FCS) providing wide care-free handling flight envelope, the M-346FA exploits high maneuverability with superior rate of climb, high load factor (+8/-2.75 g) and angle-ofattack even with external payload together with supersonic max speed (1.2 Mach) and air-to-air refueling capabilities for long-range/endurance and time-on-station. The new-version airframe configuration differs from the AJT/FT versions for seven (vs five) hard-points including two new wingtip stations for advanced short-range airto-air missiles (ASRAAM), four underwings and one ventral stations for a total load of weapons and external stores of 2,000 kg. The initial payload package will include AIM-9L, ASRAAM, 500 lb class bombs (Lizar 2 + laser-guided and MK-B2 general purpose), HPM-250 12.7 mm gun pod, Rafael Litening targeting and Reccelite pods, as well as 630 liters each external fuel tanks but the optional weapon/system inventory also includes Paveway, JDAM, TEBER, SDB GBUs, MBDA Brimstone and other AAMs including Rafael Derby medium-range missile. In addition to the AJT/FT cockpit and mission suite architecture characterized by advanced glass-cockpit stations, the M-346FA integrates a nose-mounted fourthgeneration X-band coherent pulse-doppler multimode Leonardo Grifo 346 radar with IFF interrogator, a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for day/night operations, an enriched communications suite including secure and multi-band radios and a Link 16 NATO or not-NATO tactical data link

The Leonardo’s M-346FA mission suite will include the fourthgeneration X-band coherent pulse-doppler multimode Leonardo Grifo M346 radar, a DASS with RWR and CMDS and a data link. The new variant will also feature seven hard-points for external stores. © Leonardo

The new fighter/attack variant of M-346 advanced trainer will be capable to carry up to 2,000 kg of weapons and other external stores including AAMs, guided and unguided bombs, targeting and reconnaissance pods as well as rockets and gun pod. © Leonardo

Leonardo is working on a dual-role variant of its M-345 advanced jet trainer, which initial deliveries to Italian air force are planned for first-half 2020. © Leonardo

(TDL), a defensive aids sub system (DASS) with radar warning receiver (RWR) and chaff & flare countermeasures dispenser system (CMDS), and as optional a missile warning system (MWS) and a radar cross section reduction kit. The Grifo M346 radar supports both air-to-air missions with longrange detection and tracking and air-to-ground operations with high-resolution imaging (submetric SAR and ISAR) modes. Leonardo could also offer a Grifo-based active electronically-scanned antenna (AESA)-based Grifo version that will fly in 2020 and be available in 2021. The Italian group is also working on a dual-role version of its M-345 advanced jet trainer, which latter initial deliveries to the Italian air force are planned for the first-half of 2020.

Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in partnership with US Lockheed Martin group to replace subsonic A-37 and supersonic T-38 advanced trainers of South Korean Air Force and international market opportunities, the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced trainer further evolved respectively in the lead-in fighter training/ light attack TA-50 and light combat FA-50 variants. Based on the T-50/TA-50 proven airframe with a maximum take-off weight of 12,300 kg and a powerplant based on one General Electric F404- GE-102 with 8,020 kg of thrust with afterburner and dual-channel digital electronic control, together with a triple-redundant digital FBW controls and active stick technology in addition to triple-redundant electrical system and digital break-by-wire, the FA-50 variant has a 1.5 Mach maximum speed and high load factor (-3/+8 g) but differs mainly for a further evolved avionics/ mission/airframe configuration and armament package compared to the TA-50 dual-role variant. Featuring a dual glass cockpit with wide fieldof-view head-up display (HUD), integrated upfront controls and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) and zero-zero ejection seat, the FA-50 adds smart colour multifunction displays, night

In addition to the South Korean air force, the KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50 found international success, being in service with Iraqi, Indonesian and Thai air forces, while the Philippines acquired the FA-50 light attack variant. © KAI

The Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) group received contracts to provide multirole air-to-ground and air-toair capabilities to Thai TA50TH and Indonesian TA-50i platforms adding a radar and a self-protection suite. Lockheed Martin is also working on integrating the Sniper targeting pod for present and future customers. © KAI

vision imaging system (NVIS) and digital engine instruments. In addition to an Israeli ELTA/Korean LIG Nex1-developed EL/M-2032 pulse-doppler radar variant, integrated mission computer and IFF, GPS/INS navigation, U/VHF secure radios, store management system, the FA-50 is fitted with a data transfer and recording system together with a DASS based on an RWR and CMDS and a tactical data link to enhance information exchange. Beside the 3-barrel 20 mm General Dynamics internal gun and seven hardpoints (two wingtips, four underwings and one ventral) for an overall 3,740 kg external payload, the FA-50 has a wider weapons and other stores package. In addition to AIM-9 AAM missiles, the platform can carry JDAM GPS-guided, SFW (Sensor Fuzed Weapon) and general-purpose bombs, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles as well as SouthKorean industry-provided weapon systems. Based on KAI contract, Lockheed Martin is on track to complete the integration of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) on the FA-50 by August 2020 and achieve full certification by late 2020. In addition to the South Korean air force, the T-50 found international success, being in service with Iraqi (24 aircraft), Indonesian (16) and Thai air forces (12 aircraft under delivery), while the Philippines acquired the FA-50 light attack variant (12). Selected end-users requested platform enhancements and the KAI/Lockheed Martin industrial team is working on further mission/ avionics developments as demonstrated by Sniper ATP integration. In August 2018, KAI signed a contract with the Indonesian MoD for upgrading the in-service T-50i platforms to dual role variant with radar and gun system integration. In May 2019, KAI announced a contract awarded by the Royal Thai air force to equip the in-service T-50TH with radar and a DASS suite with RWR and CMDS, in addition to training, spare parts and support equipment. KAI is working to integrate the Sniper targeting pod for air-to-ground missions and provides the capability to use beyond-visual-range AAMs, followed by enhanced radar performance

BAE Systems is working on an evolved version of its Hawk advanced jet trainer to satisfy the requirements for training pilots of 5th and later generation combat aircraft. © UK MoD Crowncopyright

and is actively marketing these upgrades in the Philippines, as well as looking to follow-on orders and new markets. Argentina and Malaysia have the most interesting procurement programmes.

With the development of the Advanced Hawk programme and the maiden flight of its demonstrator in July 2017, after its unveiling at Aero India 2017, the BAE Systems trainer has found new life that could lead to new customers in addition to the current 14 users or follow-on orders. After almost 45 years from its maiden flight, the new advanced aircraft configuration is fully projecting the platform in the dual-role arena providing full frontline combat capability. The new version is being developed based not only on the customers’ feedbacks for future training but also to meet air forces’ requirements for a higherperformance, combat-capable Hawk light attack aircraft, the Advanced Hawk main features being a modified wing, the Rolls Royce Adour Mk.951 2,951 kg turbofan, full smart weapons capability, air refueling and a brand new panoramic multidisplay centered glass cockpit, in addition to a DASS and seven external stores hardpoints. The modified wing features an almost full-span active leading-edge slat and enhanced combat flap which confer significant improvement in take-off and landing performances, a 17% improvement in climb performance, a 20% reduction in turn radius, and a 25% improvement in turn rate, as well as better AoA capabilities, the latter thanks also to a lengthened vertical stabilizer and a yawaxis stability augmentation system. The Advanced Hawk will have in-flight refueling capabilities as well as external fuel tanks to extend operational endurance. The demonstrator showed an all-new cockpit with a large area display, similar to that used on the F-35 JSF, but also capable to replicate older aircraft cockpit configurations, BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile digital head-up display, and is fitted with ground proximity warning system, traffic collision avoidance and a communications suite including a data link. The Advanced Hawk also features a DASS, including an RWR and CMDS as well as provisions for a laser designator pod. Smart weapons and AAMs will be carried by seven stations for an overall 3,000 kg payload.

The Advanced Hawk demonstrator main features are a modified wing, an uprated turbofan, a smart weapons capability, air refueling, a new panoramic multi-display centered glass cockpit, in addition to a DASS and seven external stores hardpoints. © BAE Systems

The Advanced Hawk configuration hasn’t found a launch customer yet, but some sources have been suggesting the Qatari air force. In the future, the Royal Air Force needs to find a new a candidate to train Tempest pilots while the enhanced configuration could be also retrofitted into older in-service Hawks, further extending the Hawk programme lifetime.

With around 600 in-service L-39 basic/advanced trainers and further market opportunities for the L-159 both as advanced/front-line trainer and aggressor/companion platform, Czech Aero Vodochody company is working on the L-39NG next generation jet trainer/light attack programme with Omnipol as strategic financial sharing company, and on the new variant of the

The Advanced Hawk demonstrator shows an all-new cockpit with a large area display, similar to that used on the F-35 JSF but also capable to replicate older aircraft cockpit configurations, and BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile digital head-up display. © BAE Systems

Aero Vodochody is overhauling and upgrading the Czech Air Force’s fleet of L-159 light attack single seat and advance training/lead-in fighter variants and delivered three additional two-seat L-159T2 aircraft with enhanced avionics including Leonardo’s Grifo radar. © Czech MoD

32 The L-39NG will be certified and delivered in two variants: the basic and advanced trainer variant is to be delivered in Q3 2020 while the light attack variant delivery will follow at one-year distance. © Aero Vodochody

L-159 light attack trainer aircraft called F/A-259 Striker concept, the latter with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The L-39NG is based on legacy L-39 versions’ rugged design, low operational cost and aerodynamic concept, featuring a redesigned wing with integral fuel tanks, that significantly improves range and endurance, and powered by the modern FJ44-4M turbofan providing 1,720 kg of thrust with FADEC and electrical starter. The latter is supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The new version features completely new integrated digital avionics with glass cockpit for increased training effectiveness together with a single-piece canopy for improved cockpit visibility and new escape zero-zero ejection seats. With a max take-off weight of 5,300-5,800 kg (depending on the version), the L-39NG features a 15,000 flight hours fatigue-life airframe and four underwing and one ventral weapon pylons for a total payload of 700- 1,200 kg (depending on the advanced training or light attack version) that includes guns, bombs, rockets, AAMs and fuel tanks. The L-39NG will be certified and delivered in two variants: the basic and advanced trainer, to be delivered in Q3 2020, while the light attack variant delivery will follow at one-year distance. In March 2018 Aero Vodochody already received the type certification for the L-39CW jet trainer, which represents the L-39 aircraft re-engining and modernization of avionics equipment, to provide an immediate solution for

current platform operators. The launch customer for the L-39 NG Light attack variant (4 aircraft) is the Senegalese air force, while Aero Vodochody has already logged orders for further 38 aircraft among L-39NG and L-39CW configurations with RSW Aviation US company and Portuguese SkyTech training services provider company. To be developed with IAI company, the F/A-259 Striker version of the L-159 single-seat light-attack variant platform is centered on a completely new avionics suite, a wet-wing capability and an option for either an Elta Systems’ EL/M 2032 mechanically scanned or EL/M 2052 AESA radar, depending on customers’ requirements and budget. Aero Vodochody is also overhauling and upgrading the Czech Air Force’s fleet of L-159 light attack single seat and advanced training/lead-in fighter variants and delivered three additional two-seat L-159T2 aircraft with glass cockpit, NVG compatibility and fuel system improvements, in addition to Leonardo’s Grifo radar already installed on the Light attack version.

The market of modern ‘combat trainers’ is also populated by the Russian Yak-130 Mitten and the Chinese Hongdu L-15, while other western manufacturers are emerging in the same platform sector, such as Turkish TAI with the Hürjet platform and Boeing/Saab with the potential light attack/agressor variant of its T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer/lead-in fighter. Designed by the Yakolev Design Bureau, today part of the Irkut

Corporation, and produced at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, the Yak-130 has a maximum take-off weight of 10,920 kg and an aerodynamic almost identical to the Aermacchi (today Leonardo) M-346, the two aircraft having been originally developed together. The Russian platform features an +8/- 3 g load factor airframe and is powered by twoAI-222-25 providing each a thrust of 2,500 kg, offering a maximum speed of 570 knots and high thrust/weight ratio with sustained maneuvering load factors, take-off performances and up to 35 degrees AoA. The Yak-130 can carry 3,000 kg of external stores and weapons on nine hardpoints. In addition to the Russian Federation Air Force (around 100 aircraft so far), the Yak-130 has been sold abroad to Algeria (16), Bangladesh (16), Laos (10 aircraft on order/delivered) and Myanmar (18) together with Belarus. In June 2019 the latter MoD awarded a contract to Irkut Corporation to retrofit in-service aircraft with the locally-developed Talisman self-protection suite. The Chinese Hongdu L-15 has found so far export success with the Zambian Air Force in addition to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy. The African customer has bought and is operating the advanced fighter trainer variant,

In addition to the Russian Federation Air Force, the Yak-130 has been sold abroad to Algeria, Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar and Belarus. The latter customer is introducing a locally-developed selfprotection suite. © Irkut Corporation

equipped with afterburning AI-222K-25 engines conferring supersonic capability, and a range of Chinese-produced weapon options carried on six hard-points. Turkish TAI is developing the Hürjet advanced trainer/light attack capable aircraft to replace the T-38 Talon and to provide training for both 4th and 5th generation aircraft pilots. To conduct the first flight in mid-2022, the twin-engine Hürjet is expected to have a +8/-3 g load factor with a 1.4 Mach maximum speed, an external payload capacity of 2,712 Kg, a latest generation glass cockpit and training equipment, ideally fulfilling light attack missions.

Turkish TAI is developing the Hürjet advanced trainer/light attack aircraft for the Turkish MoD to fly in Mid-2022 and be delivered to train both 4th and 5th generation aircraft pilots and conduct light attack missions. © TAI

Multi-sensor fire-control systems evolution

By Luca Peruzzi

In worldwide operational scenarios, where surface combatants are more and more often requested to intervene into complex and potentially dangerous littoral environments, the need for precise target tracking, accurate fire control and kill assessment requests the all-weather and sensor flexibility of latest-generation multi-sensor (radar and electro-optical) tracking and weapon-control systems. The increasing demand of accurate and reliable systems to identify and engage asymmetric threats contributes to the continuous request of these systems. The latter capability trends are towards multi-sensor fire control system solutions with dualfrequency radar, electro-optical sensors and the capability offered by some of these systems to control artillery guided ammunitions to extend the inner-layer naval platform defence.

Building on the highly successful STING EO system, Thales Nederland developed the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 naval dualfrequency radar and electro-optical (EO) fire control system capable to control guns (such as Leonardo 76/62 mm and the AK176) and provide missile (such as RAM, VL MICA and ESSM) guidance, the latter semi-active guided weapons thanks to a continuous-wave illumination (CWI) transmitter. According to Thales Nederland, the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 uses an I and K band monopulse radar, complemented by a suite of electro-optical sensors to offer long-range, all-weather performance and overcome the multipathing problems associated with low-elevation targets and achieve robust and high-accurate target tracking, even in highcluttered and jamming scenarios. The STIR 1.2 EO was, according to Thales Nederland, the first track