- Textron Aviation Defense showcased the M-346-N at this year’s Sea Air Space event. It’s a new naval trainer designed to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk and enhance the quality and efficiency of naval aviator training. The system includes smart chairs, operational flight trainers, and aircraft, all networked together to create a seamless training environment.
- The M-346-N allows trainees to master important skills earlier in their pilot training, such as radar intercepts and precision-guided munitions training.
- The new system aims to enhance warfighter readiness at a lower cost by preparing students with basic skill sets before they reach fleet jets.
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At the Navy League’s Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition, Textron Aviation Defense was showcasing the M-346-N, a new naval trainer that could replace the aging T-45 Goshawk. This advanced training system is designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of naval aviator training. That’s why it’s the weapon of the week.
What is the new training system?
Steve Helmer, a flight test and demonstration pilot at Textron, discussed the system’s capabilities and potential impact. He said the new system includes several technologies that work together to form a sophisticated training system.
“The M-346-N is the most visible part of a comprehensive training system we’re offering the Navy,” Helmer said. “It includes everything from smart chairs to operational flight trainers and aircraft, all networked together to create a seamless training environment.”
The system utilizes live, virtual, constructive environments to simulate various training scenarios. Helmer said the system can simulate several settings pilots can train on, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
What makes the training system unique?
Helmer said the M-346-N brings advanced training concepts to the table. He said this will allow trainees to master important skills much earlier in their pilot training.
“Students will now be able to perform radar intercepts and precision-guided munitions training,” he said. “These are tasks they currently perform in fleet jets like the F-35 and F/A-18, but with the M-346-N, they’ll be able to master these skills earlier in their training.”
The new system aims to enhance warfighter readiness at a lower cost. Helmer said if pilots learn complex systems earlier in their careers, they will become better-prepared pilots, which increases warfighter readiness.
The M-346-N allows pilots to simulate field and aircraft carrier landings, air-to-air, and air-to-ground missions. Helmer said this creates several realistic training exercises for pilots.
“We can network the simulator and aircraft, allowing pilots to fly with or against each other,” Helmer said. “This provides a comprehensive range of mission sets and realistic training scenarios.”
Helmer emphasized the time and money the new system could save.
“Learning radar intercepts and other basics in the fleet replacement squadron was costly and time-consuming,” he said. “This system would have helped tremendously by providing these skills during initial training.”
The M-346-N aims to prepare students with basic skill sets before they reach fleet jets. Helmer said this will reduce the time and cost associated with training in fleet jets.
Textron’s new naval trainer is generating significant interest. Helmer said potential users are now looking to onboard the system soon.
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