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Leonardo and Textron pitch M-346N for upcoming US Navy T-45 replacement

30th April 2024 - 16:01 GMT | by Norbert Neumann in London

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The M-346N would receive some minor tweaks and additional capabilities to support at-sea training operations. (Photo: Leonardo)

Leonardo and Textron’s joint effort to introduce the M-346N aircraft into the US Navy’s training programme has promised to offer a proven efficient training enterprise as the T-45 replacement.

A collaboration between Leonardo and Textron could offer a “no-drama” and “low-risk” solution for the US Navy’s (USN) Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition to replace the troubled T-45 Goshhawk trainer, company representatives told Shephard in a recent interview.

FY2025 navy budget documents, released last month, alongside an unofficial Request for Proposal (RFP), indicated that the service could start buying replacement jet trainers in 2026. An official RFP could be released at the end of 2024 or early next year.

Leonardo and Textron Aviation Defense have offered the naval version of the M-346 aircraft, dubbed M-346N, the only twin-engine solution

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