20.06.2025, 11:33
Zitat:Italy Evaluates GCAP Wingman Options, Including Kızılelma
19 Jun 2025, 19:16 4 mins
France Italy Turkiye
Air Unmanned Systems Expo and Air Show
Italy Evaluates GCAP Wingman Options, Including Kızılelma
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani stated that various alternatives like unmanned versions of trainers and Baykar’s Kızılelma are being evaluated as loyal wingman.
During the Paris Airshow, Roberto Cingolani gave information regarding the possible routes for the Italian Air Force’s future fighter jets being developed under the GCAP programme.
Defense News reported that three options are on the table: Unmanned M345, unmanned M346, and Kızılelma of Baykar, which has launched its joint venture with Leonardo.
Trainers Converted to Loyal Wingman
Leonardo’s single-engine M345 trainer is something between advanced trainers and turboprop-powered basic trainers. The trainer -powered by an FJ-44-4M turbofan engine with 15.4 kN of thrust- can carry 1000 kg of armament, reach a speed of 780 km/h, and perform manoeuvres up to 7 g.
The more advanced M346, with two F124 non-afterburning engines putting out 57.6 kN of thrust in total, can reach high subsonic speeds and carry a payload of 3000 kg. Additionally, M346 supports the integration of radars.
Considering the flight performance of the upcoming fighter, it is safe to say being able to keep up in this regard is an important parameter. Additionally, the loyal wingman should be capable of carrying sensors and weaponry of a grade that can give the controlling fighter an edge.
While M345 is significantly cheaper than M346 due to its design, it is equally underwhelming in terms of sensor/weapon provisions and flight performance. Thus, it can be expected that M345 will be the first option to be dropped out.
Converting proven trainers into loyal wingman would involve changes other than an autonomy kit. For example, the space opened by the absence of pilots can allow for more fuel capacity to increase the range.
https://turdef.com/article/italy-evaluat...-kizilelma