The T-345A aircraft, supplied to the 61st Wing of Galatina (LE) has reached the first 1,000 hours of flight, marking an important milestone in the path of renewal and enhancement of the Air Force’s flight training system.
Currently used by the 214th Flight Group for Phase II training for future military pilots, the T-345A confirms, through this significant milestone, the reliability and efficiency of the new basic-advanced trainer, designed to guarantee training standards of excellence and an increasingly effective transition to the next phases of training on high-performance aircraft.
The achievement of 1,000 flight hours is the result of the work of all the departments involved in the phase-in of the new system and, in particular, that of the military airport of Galatina which, thanks to the close synergy between crews, technicians and support structures, was able to guarantee continuous use of the aircraft.
“The milestone of 1,000 flight hours – said Colonel Gianfranco Liccardo, Commander of the 61st Wing – confirms not only the validity of the T-345A as a training platform, but also the excellence of the work carried out daily by the personnel of the 214th Flight Group and the entire Base, as well as the quality of the industrial product made available by Leonardo. It is a result that strengthens the Italian Air Force’s ability to train pilots ready to face the operational challenges of today and tomorrow”.
Designed and built by Leonardo, one of the main global players in the Aerospace, Defence and Security sectors and a strategic partner of the Italian Air Force, the T-345A embodies an advanced synthesis of technological innovation, reliability and sustainability capable of fully responding to the present and future needs of military pilot training, while ensuring high levels of availability and logistical support. A further element of value of the T-345A is represented by the significant reduction in operating costs compared to previous generation aircraft, also made possible by the integrated use of advanced simulation systems that faithfully replicate mission profiles and operational scenarios. The high efficiency of the on-board systems, the simplification of maintenance activities, the optimization of consumption and the use of simulators that are increasingly similar to reality make it possible to increase the number of hours of training with the same resources, while improving the quality of training and contributing to a more sustainable and effective management of the entire training process.
The T-345A represents a fundamental pillar of the training path of student pilots: thanks to a state-of-the-art digital avionics architecture, state-of-the-art safety systems and excellent maneuverability, they are able to acquire the aviation skills necessary to better face the subsequent levels of training. The 61st Wing, which depends on the Command of the A.M./3^ Air Region Schools of Bari, is a “flight school” whose primary mission is to provide training and training on jets for student pilots. In particular, phase II “Primary Pilot Training” courses are held at the Salento air base, by the 214th Flight Group, phase III “Fighter Track”, managed by the 213th Flight Group and phase IV “Lead In-to Fighter Training” under the guidance of the 212th Flight Group.
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