Italy has accepted its first aircraft from an initial six-unit order for the Alenia Aermacchi M-346, with the advanced jet trainer to enter use with its air force's flight test unit next year.
Announced on 14 November, the milestone moves the locally-designated T-346A a step closer to frontline use with its launch operator. Its manufacturer will hand over a second example "shortly" at Pratica di Mare air force base, with the other four to follow in 2012.
Alenia Aermacchi will also deliver an associated package of ground-based training equipment next year under the terms of a €220 million ($301 million) production contract received in 2009.
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Acceptance of the first aircraft came after the completion of flight tests performed by Italy's General Directorate of Air Armaments at the company's Venegono site.
Italy has previously outlined a requirement to buy 15 M-346 trainers, with 12 of the type also on order for the Republic of Singapore Air Force. But a proposed deal for 48 examples to be built in the current configuration and also in a proposed armed standard for the UAE has yet to progress to the contract stage.
One of Italy's T-346As is visiting the UAE to participate in the Dubai air show as Alenia Aermacchi maintains hopes of closing a deal.
- All the latest news, video and images from the 2011 Dubai air show
Source: Flight Daily News
