Training & Certification
Leonardo & Textron Propose M-346N for Next-Gen Naval Pilot Training
U.S. Navy’s UJTS program may adopt AI-driven M-346N trainer with VR maintenance and 40% cost reduction through synthetic combat simulations.
At Sea-Air-Space 2025, Leonardo and Textron Aviation Defense unveiled the M-346N Integrated Training System as a proposed solution for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. This collaboration marks a critical step in modernizing naval pilot training, offering technology that bridges classroom instruction with real-world combat readiness. With the T-45 Goshawk fleet approaching retirement after three decades of service, the Navy seeks systems that reduce operational costs while enhancing tactical proficiency.
The M-346N isn’t just another trainer aircraft – it represents an ecosystem. Its Integrated Training System combines physical aircraft with virtual reality maintenance trainers and AI-driven simulation environments. For naval aviators who must master carrier landings and networked warfare tactics, this platform offers unprecedented fidelity in replicating both flight dynamics and battlefield scenarios.
The M-346N’s twin Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofans deliver 6,280 lbs of thrust each, enabling 8.5G maneuvers crucial for dogfight training. Its fly-by-wire system replicates the flight characteristics of 5th-gen fighters like the F-35, allowing seamless transition for trainees. The cockpit features three 6×8-inch AMLCD displays and a Helmet-Mounted Display System projecting targeting data directly into the pilot’s visor.
Leonardo’s Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) creates synthetic threats ranging from surface-to-air missiles to enemy fighters. During demonstrations at National Harbor, the Smart Chair simulator showed how trainees practice intercepting virtual Su-35s while avoiding simulated SAM sites. This LVC (Live-Virtual-Constructive) environment reduces reliance on costly live-fire exercises by 40% according to Textron’s operational data.
“The M-346 has achieved 98% availability across 150,000 flight hours in six air forces. That reliability is non-negotiable for carrier operations.” – Leonardo Training Systems White Paper Unlike the T-45’s analog systems, the M-346N’s digital backbone enables over-the-air updates. When the Navy integrates new radar warnings or missile countermeasures into the F/A-18 fleet, trainers can receive corresponding software patches within 72 hours. This synchronicity ensures pilots train on systems identical to frontline aircraft.
The Maintenance VR Goggles displayed at Textron’s booth exemplify this integration. Using Microsoft HoloLens technology, technicians practice repairing the aircraft’s FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system through augmented reality overlays. Early adopters like the Italian Air Force report 30% faster maintenance turnaround times using this system.
With 136 aircraft operational across nine countries, the M-346 platform has proven adaptable to diverse needs. Israel modified theirs for F-35 pilot training, while Poland uses them for MiG-29 transition courses. The proposed M-346N variant adds carrier landing configurations including reinforced landing gear and tailhook positioning optimized for Nimitz-class decks. Leonardo’s roadmap includes integrating AI wingman capabilities by 2027, allowing solo trainees to practice formation flying with virtual allies. This aligns with the Navy’s Project Avenger initiative for manned-unmanned teaming. Combined with the aircraft’s 1,150 nautical mile range, future iterations could even serve as aggressor aircraft during fleet exercises.
The M-346N proposal arrives as naval aviation faces dual pressures – modernizing for near-peer conflicts while containing costs. By leveraging proven commercial VR technologies and open-architecture systems, this platform demonstrates how military training can evolve without compromising on realism or safety.
As Textron and Leonardo finalize their bid for the UJTS contract, the real winner may be the next generation of naval aviators. Those who cut their teeth on systems blending physical aircraft with digital battlegrounds will enter fleet service already acclimated to the complexities of multi-domain warfare.
What makes the M-346N suitable for carrier training? How does it reduce training costs? Which nations currently operate M-346 variants? Sources:
Naval Aviation’s Next-Gen Training Evolution
Technical Specifications & Training Architecture
Strategic Implications for Naval Aviation
Global Adoption & Future Roadmap
Conclusion: Training Reimagined
FAQ
Reinforced landing gear, carrier-optimized flight control software, and simulated angled deck approaches in its training modules.
The LVC system replaces 40% of live-flight hours with VR/AR training, saving fuel/maintenance costs while increasing scenario complexity.
Italy, Israel, Poland, Singapore, Greece, and Qatar with 136 aircraft total as of 2025.
Military Embedded Systems,
The Aviationist,
Naval News
Photo Credit: theaviationist
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Training & Certification
Star Flight Training Adds Four Tecnam P-Mentor Aircraft to Fleet
Star Flight Training in Virginia expands its fleet with four fuel-efficient Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft featuring advanced IFR avionics for pilot training.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam Aircraft.
Star Flight Training, a flight school based in Roanoke, Virginia, has officially expanded its training fleet with the acquisition of four new Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft. The strategic addition aims to modernize the school’s operations by introducing next-generation, instrument flight rules (IFR)-equipped trainers to its student pilots.
According to a press release issued by Tecnam Aircraft, the new P-Mentor fleet will provide Star Flight Training with advanced avionics and a purpose-built airframe designed specifically for modern flight education. The aircraft are intended to support students from their initial discovery flights all the way through advanced commercial certifications.
We note that the integration of these aircraft reflects a broader industry trend of flight schools upgrading aging fleets with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced platforms to better prepare cadets for professional airline careers.
The Tecnam P-Mentor is marketed as a highly efficient training platform that significantly reduces operating costs and environmental impact compared to legacy trainers.
A primary driver for the acquisition is the aircraft’s fuel efficiency. In the official press release, Star Flight Training highlighted the economic benefits of operating the P-Mentor for extended training sessions.
“The fuel consumption on the Tecnam P-Mentor is excellent. It burns roughly half the fuel of many traditional training aircraft, which allows us to operate for extended training missions throughout the day while maintaining strong operational efficiency.”
By cutting fuel consumption in half, the Virginia-based flight school can maximize aircraft utilization and keep training costs manageable for students pursuing Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) ratings.
Beyond fuel savings, the P-Mentor features a modern glass cockpit that mirrors the technology students will eventually use in commercial airliners. Matt Hunt, Office Manager at Star Flight Training, noted in the release that the school is committed to providing high-quality training with the best available equipment, delivering a premier experience that students appreciate. The delivery of the four P-Mentor aircraft was facilitated through LifeStyle Aviation, a leading North American distributor of Tecnam Aircraft. Founded in 2007, LifeStyle Aviation specializes in aircraft sales and ownership solutions for flight schools and private owners.
John Armstrong, Founder and CEO of LifeStyle Aviation, emphasized the necessity of modern equipment for today’s aviation academies.
“Flight schools today need aircraft that are efficient, durable, and designed specifically for training. The Tecnam P-Mentor delivers exactly that. We’re proud to partner with Star Flight Training as they build a modern fleet that will help train the next generation of pilots.”
Tecnam’s leadership also celebrated the expansion. Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer, stated in the company’s release that the United States market continues to recognize the economic and educational value of the P-Mentor platform. He added that the aircraft ensures a seamless transition for cadets moving into professional airline careers.
We observe that Star Flight Training’s acquisition of four Tecnam P-Mentors underscores a critical shift in the flight training sector. As legacy training aircraft, many of which were manufactured decades ago, approach the end of their economically viable service lives, flight schools are increasingly turning to modern European manufacturers like Tecnam. The P-Mentor’s ability to offer IFR capabilities combined with substantially lower fuel burn addresses two of the most pressing challenges for flight schools: rising operational costs and the need to train students on contemporary glass-panel avionics. This move not only positions Star Flight Training competitively in the Virginia market but also aligns with the broader aviation industry’s push toward sustainability and enhanced safety standards.
According to the Tecnam press release, Star Flight Training acquired four IFR-equipped Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft.
The flight school is based at the Roanoke Regional Airport (KROA) in Roanoke, Virginia.
The school cited the aircraft’s modern avionics, excellent handling characteristics, and significant fuel efficiency, burning roughly half the fuel of traditional training aircraft, as key reasons for the acquisition.
Sources: Tecnam Aircraft
Enhancing Flight Training Operations
Fuel Efficiency and Cost Savings
Advanced Avionics for Future Aviators
Strategic Partnerships Driving Fleet Upgrades
Distributor and Manufacturer Perspectives
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft did Star Flight Training acquire?
Where is Star Flight Training located?
Why did the school choose the Tecnam P-Mentor?
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
One-G Simulation Launches Tarbes 9.00 TBM 900 Flight Simulator
One-G Simulation introduces the Tarbes 9.00, a high-fidelity TBM 900 flight training device developed using real aircraft data for enhanced pilot training.
Seattle-based manufacturer One-G Simulation has officially launched the Tarbes 9.00, a full-scale, high-fidelity flight training device designed to replicate the Daher TBM 900. According to reporting by Yahoo Tech, this new simulator represents a significant step forward for the company, which previously developed training devices for the TBM 700 and TBM 800 aircraft.
What sets the Tarbes 9.00 apart from its predecessors is the company’s shift in research and development methodology. Rather than relying solely on manufacturer data and published manuals, One-G engineers utilized an actual TBM 900 aircraft to gather empirical data. By conducting structured flight testing and ground operations, the team was able to capture real-world performance characteristics, control responses, and systems behavior.
The high-performance simulator was commissioned by Executive Flight Training, a facility specializing in advanced pilot preparation. We understand that this device will serve as a cornerstone for their training curriculum, allowing pilots to experience realistic, scenario-based emergencies safely on the ground.
Historically, simulator manufacturers have depended heavily on a combination of customer feedback, aircraft manufacturer specifications, and published resource materials. However, Yahoo Tech reports that One-G Simulation evolved its process for the Tarbes 9.00 by directly accessing a physical aircraft. This hands-on approach allowed engineers to extract precise data to drive the simulator’s flight model and avionics fidelity.
Xylon Saltzman, founder and CEO of One-G Simulation, emphasized the value of this empirical data gathering in improving the overall fidelity of the training device.
“We’re using the Tarbes as an R&D platform to get empirical data and then directly apply that to the software,” Saltzman told Yahoo Tech.
He further noted that every dimension of the cockpit, including ergonomics and flight characteristics, was derived directly from flying the actual aircraft.
One of the most significant engineering hurdles during the development of the Tarbes 9.00 was accurately emulating the TBM 900’s unique throttle quadrant. Industry research indicates that the Daher TBM 900, introduced in March 2014, features a redesigned cockpit that consolidates traditional multi-lever controls into a single mechanical lever operating in a gated “H” pattern.
This single lever controls both engine power and propeller RPM, with the left side managing thrust for taxiing and flight, and the right side managing engine start and cutoff conditions. Replicating the mechanical resistance and feel of this specific component required extensive engineering. “From a mechanical standpoint, it was very complicated to emulate, and so it took many hours of development passes to get that right,” Saltzman explained to Yahoo Tech.
The Tarbes 9.00 was specifically commissioned by Executive Flight Training (EFT), an advanced flight training provider based in Beaufort, South Carolina. According to industry data, EFT is led by CEO Douglas Carmody, a former airline captain with over 30,000 flight hours. The facility focuses on insurance-approved training for high-performance aircraft.
By integrating the Tarbes 9.00 into their program, EFT aims to provide pilots with a highly accurate environment to practice complex, high-workload scenarios that would be too risky to execute in a real aircraft.
“The accuracy of the cockpit layout, control loading, and avionics allows our instructors to deliver realistic, scenario-based training that closely mirrors the aircraft,” Carmody stated in the Yahoo Tech report.
The Tarbes 9.00 features a model-specific flight deck equipped with a faithful replica of the Garmin G1000 avionics suite. Supplementary industry research notes that the device includes dynamic 3-axis force-feedback control loading and electrically actuated elevator trim to further enhance realism.
For flight schools and training centers interested in acquiring the device, Yahoo Tech reports that the standard turnaround time from order placement to delivery is approximately three to four months, though customization requests may extend this timeline.
The development of the Tarbes 9.00 highlights a critical shift in the Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) market. By moving away from purely theoretical or manual-based modeling toward empirical, in-cockpit data collection, manufacturers like One-G Simulation are blurring the lines between affordable flight school simulators and the multi-million dollar Level-D full-motion simulators traditionally reserved for major airlines.
We view this trend as a significant net positive for aviation safety. High-performance single-engine turboprops like the TBM 900, capable of cruising at 330 knots with a range of over 1,700 nautical miles, demand rigorous pilot proficiency. Providing instructors with highly accurate, model-specific tools allows for the safe rehearsal of catastrophic failures, ultimately building better muscle memory and decision-making skills without risking a valuable airframe or human lives.
The Tarbes 9.00 is a full-scale, high-fidelity flight training device that replicates the Daher TBM 900, a high-performance single-engine turboprop.
Unlike previous models that relied on published data, One-G Simulation engineers used an actual TBM 900 aircraft to conduct structured in-flight and ground testing, gathering empirical data to drive the simulator’s software and hardware. According to the manufacturer, the standard turnaround time from order to delivery is approximately three to four months, depending on specific customization requests.
Yahoo Tech
Introduction to the Tarbes 9.00
Engineering the Tarbes 9.00
A New Approach to Research and Development
Replicating the Single Power Lever
Enhancing Pilot Training
Executive Flight Training’s Curriculum
Hardware and Delivery Specifications
Industry Impact
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft does the Tarbes 9.00 simulate?
How was the simulator developed?
What is the delivery timeline for a Tarbes 9.00 unit?
Sources
Industry Research
Photo Credit: One-G Simulation
Training & Certification
Bell and Semper Fly Launch Bell 206B Training Facility in Oklahoma
Bell Textron and Semper Fly Helicopters open a certified training facility in Norman, Oklahoma, expanding Bell 206B helicopter training for commercial and defense sectors.
This article is based on an official press release from Textron Inc.
Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has partnered with Semper Fly Helicopters to establish a new Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in Norman, Oklahoma. Announced on March 10, 2026, this initiative is designed to expand regional training solutions specifically for the Bell 206B helicopter, catering to commercial aircraft operators and future defense contracts.
According to the official press release, the collaboration positions both organizations to jointly pursue advanced military aircraft aviation training initiatives. A primary target mentioned in the announcement is the U.S. Army Flight School Next Program, signaling a strategic push into federal defense training contracts.
We understand from the company statement that this move is part of a broader effort to deliver trusted expertise closer to customers’ operational bases, ensuring that high-quality instruction remains accessible and affordable.
Semper Fly Helicopters is identified in the release as a veteran-owned and woman-owned small business. The company currently operates an FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training program and serves as the flight training provider for the University of Oklahoma’s aviation program.
By certifying Semper Fly as an official Bell Training organization, Bell aims to offer its 206B customers expanded options for training locations. The press release emphasizes that these regional facilities will maintain the same rigorous standards as the primary Bell Training Academy. The curriculum at the new Norman facility will include critical flight skills, such as autorotations, which the manufacturer highlights as a cornerstone of its safety and proficiency protocols.
“This collaboration reflects Bell’s commitment to delivering exceptional pilot training while fostering growth in the aviation and defense infrastructure in Oklahoma,” said Chad Sparks, general manager of the Bell Training Academy, in the press release. “By combining Bell’s innovative technology and training expertise with Semper Fly’s veteran-led approach, we are creating a regional solution that meets the highest standards of safety and quality.”
The partnership represents a targeted investment by Bell into Oklahoma’s growing aerospace and defense community. By leveraging Bell’s extensive standardization processes and training technology, Semper Fly is expected to scale its capabilities to meet both commercial and military demands.
Brandi Rector, CEO of Semper Fly, noted that the collaboration reflects a mutual dedication to safety and the continuous advancement of vertical aviation training. “Bell’s reputation for delivering exceptional pilot training speaks for itself, and we are honored to now stand alongside them as a Bell Certified Training Facility,” Rector stated in the company announcement. “Together, we are not only training pilots, we are helping shape the future of vertical aviation.”
We note that expanding certified training facilities allows major aerospace manufacturers like Bell to decentralize their training footprint. This strategy effectively reduces travel burdens and operational downtime for commercial operators who rely on the Bell 206B platform.
Furthermore, aligning with a veteran-owned business that already services a major university aviation program provides a strong, credible foundation for pursuing federal defense contracts. The explicit mention of the U.S. Army Flight School Next Program in the press release indicates that Bell is positioning this Oklahoma facility as a key asset in its military training portfolio. This localized approach not only strengthens regional aerospace infrastructure but also creates a scalable model for future defense training requirements.
According to the press release, the facility will provide regional training solutions for the Bell 206B helicopter and position the organizations to pursue advanced defense aviation training programs.
The facility is operated by Semper Fly Helicopters, which is based in Norman, Oklahoma.
The company operates an FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training program and provides instruction for the University of Oklahoma’s aviation program.
Bell and Semper Fly Launch New Certified Training Facility in Oklahoma
Expanding Regional Access for Bell 206B Operators
Commercial and Defense Training Goals
Strategic Growth in Oklahoma’s Aviation Sector
Fostering the Next Generation of Aviators
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the new Bell Certified Training Facility?
Where is the new training facility located?
What certifications does Semper Fly Helicopters hold?
Sources
Photo Credit: Bell Textron
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