The fuselage for the first low-rate initial production example of the M-346 advanced jet trainer was removed from its assembly jig at Alenia Aermacchi's Venegono plant in northern Italy last week, as industry sources suggest the manufacturer could be within weeks of securing a launch order from the Italian air force. The first of 12 LRIP-phase aircraft to be built, the new M-346 will soon receive its landing gear and wing, and is to make its flight debut later this year.
|
|---|
Source: Flight International
