Leonardo Aermacchi M-346 AJT

The Leonardo Aermacchi M-346 "Master" is one of the world’s premier Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT), designed specifically to transition student pilots into 4th and 5th-generation frontline fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon. Born from a joint venture that eventually split to produce both the Western-aligned M-346 and the Russian Yak-130, the Italian twin-engine, transonic aircraft features a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system, allowing it to remain fully controllable at extreme angles of attack while simulating the flight characteristics of heavier combat aircraft.

DeltaWing Simulations has brought this highly agile trainer natively to X-Plane 12. The package includes a highly detailed exterior model and a dual-seat tandem cockpit optimized for VR, complete with animated pilot figures and customizable ground equipment. True to the real airframe, the cockpit is heavily digitized, featuring three custom-coded multi-function displays (MFDs) and an authentic Heads-Up Display (HUD) optimized for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility.

Under the hood, DeltaWing has focused heavily on procedural immersion. The aircraft features a fully custom electronics suite, a custom environmental control system, and a bespoke fly-by-wire plugin designed to replicate the carefree handling capabilities of the real M-346 across its entire flight envelope. Virtual pilots can execute realistic startup sequences, manage custom autopilot modes, and configure the airframe with droppable external fuel tanks.

Sitting firmly in our Procedural tier, the DeltaWing M-346 AJT operates on tailored plugin rules and scripted systems rather than an unscripted, first-principles digital flight control computer simulation. However, as an advanced jet trainer, it excels in its intended role. It provides a structured, highly realistic procedural workflow, making it an outstanding platform for virtual aviators looking to master multi-engine fast-jet handling, tactical navigation, and formation flying before stepping into heavier combat iron.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Advanced Jet Training (AJT): Master high-speed multi-engine handling, digital glass cockpit workflows, and fly-by-wire envelope limits.

• Formation Flying & Aerobatics: Utilize the crisp, carefree fly-by-wire handling to execute tight formation flying and high-G aerobatic maneuvers.

• Tactical Navigation: Conduct cross-country military routes and low-level tactical sweeps using the custom MFDs and autopilot systems.