Posted on 08/09/2009 10:09:47 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Alenia eyes 'son of Yak' for USAF light attack fighter
For calling the M-346 jet trainer the 'son of Yak', neither Alenia nor Aermacchi may ever forgive me. But, in my defense, the M-346 is a westernized and updated version of the Yak-130 originally produced by the Yakovlev/Aermacchi joint venture in the early 1990s.
Now, this descendant of Soviet aeronautical skills could become Alenia's bid for the US Air Force's potential order for 100 light attack fighter-trainers.
The US-based subsidiary of Finmeccanica has confirmed to Flightglobal that the M-346 is being considered for the company's response to the USAF's request for information, which was issued last week. The M-346 is also Alenia's probable candidate for the USAF's T-38 replacement contract, called T-X.
Alenia North America also is considering offering the all-Italian (versus half-Soviet) MB-339 trainer. Interestingly, the USAF previously rejected the MB-339 for its primary trainer in favor of the Hawker Beechcraft (nee Raytheon) T-6A Texan II.
Both the M-346 and the MB-339 are the first jet-powered options to be publicly proposed for the potential light attack order.
The competition is dominated by turboprop-powered aircraft, ranging from high-end the (ie AT-6, Embraer Super Tucano) to low-end (ie Air Tractor AT-802U) to nostalgic revivals (OV-10, PA-48). The USAF also is considering several unknown clean-sheet designs.
The Yak-130 combat trainer was selected as the winner of the trainer competition of the Russian Federation Air Force, in April 2002.
Can we change the design enough to make it look American?
=o)
Better than a prop plane I guess
Apparently it was a deathtrap though and ha zero legs after a VTOL take off
We could do worse...
It is said that you can tell how well an airplane flies by how nice it looks. I doubt that’s true, but if it is, the M346 should be a nice flying airplane.
How does one then explain aircraft such as the P-48 Thunderbolt and F-4 Phantom II?
I’m sure a few folks will look at me even more strangely than before...but I’ve always liked the F-4’s look. It’s not sleek, but it oozes power.
Of course, I think the A-10 Warthog is a beautiful sight, so y’know, maybe it’s just me.
There are exceptions, but personally, I think both the P-47 and the F-4E looked good from what I’ve heard were good flying airplanes. But what do I know...I think the A-10 is beautiful.
You clearly have good taste and a discerning eye for airplanes.
POWER!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.