Unveiling the Revolutionary Beechcraft M-346N: Transforming U.S. Navy Pilot Training!
Wichita, Kan. (July 28, 2025) — Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), today introduced its proposal for the Beechcraft M-346N jet as a “ready-now” solution from a renowned American manufacturer for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) project. The U.S. Navy has made several Requests for Information in relation to an impending Request for Proposals for a new aircraft aimed at the UJTS project.
Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo have established a partnership agreement to collaboratively meet the Navy’s requirements for its new jet trainer. The Beechcraft M-346N is an integral part of a proven consolidated training framework based on the original M-346 aircraft developed by Leonardo. Over 100 Leonardo M-346 aircraft are presently fulfilling the stringent training needs of 4th and 5th generation air forces worldwide, including Italy’s prestigious International Flight Training School (IFTS).
With a heritage deeply rooted in the resilience and dependability of American manufacturing, the Beechcraft M-346N integrates into a notable collection of aircraft built upon 95 years of aviation expertise. This aircraft has the potential to lay the groundwork for the Navy’s forthcoming undergraduate jet training, merging operationally-proven performance with cutting-edge technologies. Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense
Textron Aviation Defense, located in Wichita, Kansas, manufactures Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for military missions across the globe. Since World War II, military forces have relied on these esteemed brands for high-performance training and tactical aircraft.
About the Beechcraft M-346N
The Beechcraft M-346N — a twin-engine, tandem-seat airplane equipped with fully digital flight controls and avionics — features a fly-by-wire control system boasting quadruple redundancy, an advanced human-machine interface that includes a Head-Up Display and Large Area Display in each cockpit, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, along with innovative safety elements such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS).
Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N provides an inherently superior level of safety along with outstanding performance, featuring a maximum cruise speed surpassing 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft.
The aircraft’s advanced aerodynamic design assures exceptional maneuverability and energy control, while the elevated rear cockpit allows instructors enhanced visibility throughout all flight stages. This results in a training platform that effectively bridges essential instruction and the high-performance domain of carrier-based fighter operations.
Advanced Integrated Training: A Comprehensive Ecosystem
The extensive M-346N integrated training ecosystem, validated and consistently refined through global operational experiences of the M-346 integrated training system, is poised to equip the Navy with a comprehensive solution that enhances student preparedness and operational efficiency while reducing training costs and risks.
The Beechcraft M-346N leverages the operationally-validated Embedded Training System avionics suite for both basic and advanced tactical training that simulates sensors, weaponry, and Computer Generated Forces. This permits students to engage in real-time via a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training setup that integrates flying aircraft (Live), simulators (Virtual), and computer-generated friendly and adversarial forces (Constructive). The innovative system also incorporates adaptive training enhanced by Artificial Intelligence, which continuously evaluates student pilot performance data to personalize learning paths, automate assessments, and customize instruction to individual strengths and areas for development.
In conjunction with its extensive range of high-fidelity ground-based training tools — including simulators, computer training devices, mission planning/management tools, and a carrier-based LVC environment — the Beechcraft M-346N delivers a complete solution for training the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
