DefenseTextron Unveils Beechcraft M-346N as a Ready Solution to Replace U.S. Navy’s T-45 Jet Trainers
Textron Aviation Defense has officially introduced the Beechcraft M-346N, a twin-engine advanced trainer developed in partnership with Leonardo, as a contender for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program.
The program seeks to replace the aging fleet of T-45 Goshawk aircraft, which have been in service for decades training carrier-qualified Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Based on Leonardo’s proven M-346 Master, the M-346N is adapted for U.S. Navy needs and equipped with modern systems including quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire, Auto-GCAS, a full-glass cockpit with Head-Up Displays (HUD) and Large Area Displays (LAD), and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls in both cockpits.
The jet is powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofans, delivering speeds above 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Designed to bridge the gap between basic flight training and complex tactical scenarios, the M-346N offers seamless student progression through a complete integrated training ecosystem, said Textron.
UJTS program: Need for speed and change
The U.S. Navy has acknowledged that the T-45 fleet is nearing the end of its viability, facing issues related to structural fatigue, avionics obsolescence, and physiological events. As a result, it launched the UJTS initiative, planning to acquire around 145 new training jets to modernize its instructional capability for both Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Although the current T-45s are carrier-capable, the Navy has signaled that the next trainer may not require arrested landings, which would significantly simplify design and open competition to aircraft like the M-346N, Boeing/Saab T-7A Red Hawk, and Lockheed/KAI T-50.
Already in service with countries like Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland, the M-346 family is backed by a comprehensive training solution that blends live, virtual, and constructive environments with AI-driven performance tracking, allowing adaptive instruction and real-time feedback.
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