Textron Unveils Beechcraft M-346N as “Ready-Now” Solution for U.S. Navy Jet Trainer Program
Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has officially introduced the Beechcraft M-346N jet as its “ready-now” contender for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. This announcement comes as the Navy prepares to release a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) following multiple Requests for Information (RFIs) issued to identify potential next-generation aircraft solutions for undergraduate pilot training.
To strengthen its offering, Textron Aviation Defense has entered into a strategic teaming agreement with Leonardo, the original developer of the proven M-346 aircraft platform. The partnership aims to deliver a highly capable, American-built trainer tailored to meet the Navy’s exacting standards for pilot development in an increasingly complex and multi-domain combat environment.
A Proven Platform with a Global Pedigree
The Beechcraft M-346N is based on Leonardo’s widely fielded M-346 integrated training system, which has already been adopted by air forces in Italy, Israel, Poland, Singapore, and Qatar. More than 100 M-346 aircraft are currently in operational service worldwide. In particular, the aircraft plays a central role in Italy’s International Flight Training School (IFTS), where it is used to prepare student pilots for transition to 4th and 5th generation fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
By leveraging this proven international training pedigree, Textron and Leonardo aim to offer the U.S. Navy an aircraft that not only meets its current needs but is also future-ready.
“With our heritage deeply rooted in the strength and reliability of American manufacturing, the Beechcraft M-346N joins a proud lineup of aircraft built on 95 years of aviation excellence,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense. “The aircraft can be the cornerstone for the Navy’s future of undergraduate jet training, combining operationally-proven performance with cutting-edge technologies.”
Designed for Performance and Safety
The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat advanced jet trainer featuring fully digital fly-by-wire flight controls with quadruple redundancy. The aircraft includes advanced avionics, HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controls, Head-Up Displays (HUD), and Large Area Displays (LAD) in both the front and rear cockpits. Among its standout safety features is the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS), a critical technology increasingly recognized for its life-saving potential in high-performance flight operations.
Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N boasts impressive performance metrics, including a top cruise speed exceeding 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Its aerodynamic design and thrust-to-weight ratio offer excellent maneuverability and energy retention, crucial for simulating realistic fighter tactics during training.
The rear cockpit is elevated to give instructors an optimal line of sight, enhancing training efficacy and ensuring safety during all phases of flight instruction.
Integrated Training Ecosystem: Ground and Air in Perfect Sync
One of the most compelling aspects of the Beechcraft M-346N proposal is its fully integrated training ecosystem. Built on years of iterative development and operational experience from existing M-346 programs worldwide, the system offers a comprehensive approach that bridges live flight with digital learning environments.
At the core of this ecosystem is the Embedded Training System (ETS), which enables the aircraft to emulate advanced sensors, weapons systems, and electronic warfare environments without requiring external pods or live ordnance. This significantly reduces operational costs while providing highly immersive and flexible training scenarios.
The M-346N supports a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training architecture, where student pilots flying the aircraft (Live) can interact with simulators (Virtual) and computer-generated entities (Constructive) in real-time. This LVC environment creates a cohesive, realistic training space that mirrors modern multi-domain combat scenarios, including simulated naval carrier operations and adversary engagements.
In addition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration provides adaptive learning capabilities. The training system can evaluate pilot performance in real-time, automatically generate assessments, and personalize instruction based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This AI-powered approach ensures that training is continuously optimized for maximum efficiency and pilot readiness.
A Complete Solution for the U.S. Navy’s Future Aviators
Beyond the aircraft itself, the Beechcraft M-346N ecosystem includes a full suite of high-fidelity ground-based training solutions. These include full-motion flight simulators, desktop trainers, mission planning and debriefing tools, and virtual carrier landing systems. Together, these components offer a seamless continuum of learning that can take a student pilot from initial training through to pre-operational readiness for carrier-based fighter aircraft like the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the F-35C.
Textron Aviation Defense’s long-standing legacy in producing high-performance training and tactical aircraft—dating back to World War II—adds further credibility to the proposal. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the company is a trusted name in military aviation, producing aircraft under both the Beechcraft and Cessna banners for customers around the globe.
Strategic Significance for U.S. Naval Aviation
The introduction of the Beechcraft M-346N into the UJTS competition represents more than just the offering of a new jet—it is a strategic bid to shape the future of U.S. naval aviator development. As threats evolve and operational complexity increases, the Navy requires training systems that can prepare pilots to perform in the world’s most demanding maritime airpower environments.
With its combat-proven platform, cutting-edge training architecture, and an industry partnership that combines American manufacturing with international expertise, the Beechcraft M-346N offers the U.S. Navy a “ready-now” solution that minimizes program risk while maximizing pilot readiness.
As the Navy continues to define its UJTS requirements and moves toward formal solicitation, Textron and Leonardo stand ready to deliver a next-generation training solution backed by operational validation, safety, and a full-spectrum training capability designed for the future of naval aviation.
