Collaborative Flight Test - The Aermacchi M-346 Case

Paolo Chimetto, M-346 Flight Test Manager, Aermacchi M-346 Flight Test, Italy
Rodolfo Carabelli, M-346 Flight Test Senior Consultant, Aermacchi M-346 Flight Test, Italy

Abstract

While celebrating its first Century of life, the aeronautical industry is facing transformations induced by raising of new technologies. This also applies to Aermacchi, that is celebrating this year its 90th year of activity, with the roll-out of its new aircraft, the M-346. Subject of this paper is the “collaborative” approach to this new aircraft flight testing and relevant resources organization. The M-346 does represent a brand-new advanced air vehicle, with a recognized potential to take over a significant portion of the military trainers market, that is one of the most competitive segments to play with.
This means that a strong will to succeed is mandatory, but also a new approach is required for a number of reasons like:

• Wide technological enhancements expected in a new aircraft resembling the current fighters,
• Cost-effective approach to qualification and certification of the air vehicle,
• Efficient use of internal resources,
• Short time-to-market schedule,
• National and international industry consolidation, i.e. companies merging.