Aermacchi M-345

Description

Aermacchi M-345

Dimension 43 cm and 36 cm

Mahogany Wooden Model

Airplane Collection models are collection pieces for the following technical reasons. Firstly, the models are limited editions and hand-crafted. Secondly, the replica is an accurate scaled-down model of the original aircraft. All specifications of the airplane’s design are religiously respected for accuracy. Thirdly, the wood is carefully chosen for its natural beauty, color and grain in function to the type of aircraft model. A predetermined time is taken to dry and conserve the wood before the hand-crafting by our artists.

During 1997, Italian aircraft manufacturer Aermacchi acquired SIAI-Marchetti; this purchase included the rights to the latter’s S.211, a jet-powered trainer aircraft.^[4] In 2004, the company announced its intention to develop an improved version of the S.211, then referred to as the M-311. At the time, Aermacchi was also developing the M-346 Master, which serves as a lead-in fighter trainer; considerably smaller than the M-346, the M-311 was intended to perform both the basic and advanced training syllabus, as well as tactical training functions, as an alternative to single-engined turboprop-powered competitors.^[4][5]

Being based on the S.211, the M-311 featured an advanced new cockpit, various structural enhancements (including the increased use of composite materials) and a new powerplant in the form of the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan engine.^[6] The changes allowed for an extended fatigue life of 15,000 flight hours, increased intervals between overhauls and a reduced turnaround time between sorties.^[5] According to the manufacturer, the M-311’s life-cycle costs could be brought into line with those of its turboprop rivals, the direct operating cost is only 5% higher despite a fuel-burn penalty of roughly 30%. Aermacchi’s competitive analysis director Sergio Coniglio stated low maintenance costs shall be a decisive factor in the M-311’s competitiveness against increasingly sophisticated competition.^[5]