The aircraft T-345A, supplied to 61st Wing of Galatina (LE) has reached the top 1,000 hours of flight, marking an important milestone in the process of renewing and enhancing the Air Force’s flight training system.
Currently employed by 214th Flight Group for the training of Phase II for future military pilots, the T-345A This significant milestone confirms the reliability and efficiency of the new basic-advanced trainer, designed to ensure training standards of excellence and an increasingly effective transition towards the subsequent phases of training on high-performance aircraft.
The achievement of 1,000 hours of flight It is the result of the work of all the Departments involved in phase-in of the new system and, in particular, of the one at the military airport of Galatina, which, thanks to the close synergy between crews, technicians and support facilities, has been able to ensure the continuous use of the aircraft.
“The milestone of 1,000 hours of flight – declared the Colonel Gianfranco Liccardo, Commander of the 61st Wing – This confirmation not only validates the T-345A as an 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 Air Force’s ability to train pilots ready to face today’s and tomorrow’s operational challenges.”.
Designed and built by Leonardo, one of the leading global players in the Aerospace, Defense 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 meeting the present and future needs of military pilot training, while ensuring high levels of availability and logistical support. Another value-added feature of the T-345A is the significant reduction in operating costs compared to aircraft of previous generations, made possible also by the integrated use of advanced simulation systems which faithfully replicate the mission profiles and operational scenarios. The high efficiency of the onboard systems, the simplification of maintenance tasks, the optimization of consumption, and the use of simulators increasingly similar to reality allow for an increase in the number of training hours while maintaining the same resources, while simultaneously improving the quality of the training and contributing to a more sustainable and efficient management of the entire training process.
The T-345A represents a fundamental pillar of the training path for pilot trainees: thanks to a state-of-the-art digital avionics architecture, cutting-edge safety systems, and excellent maneuverability, they are able to acquire the aviatic skills necessary to best cope with the subsequent levels of training.
The 61st Wing, which is subordinate to the Command of the A.M./3rd Air District of Bari, is a “flight school” whose primary mission is to provide training and instruction in aerobatics for student pilots. Specifically, at the Salento air base, courses are held for Phase II “Primary Pilot Training” by the 214th Flight Group; Phase III “Fighter Track” is managed by the 213th Flight Group; and Phase IV “Lead In-to Fighter Training” is conducted under the guidance of the 212th Flight Group.
