Important Leonardo agreement for M346F trainers to Indonesia; strong ecological push from large manufacturers for the use of green fuel. Chinese industry still without Western certifications
Italian move at the Singapore aerospace show: at the first international Airshow of the year, Leonardo announced the signing of a Letter of Intent with PT-ESystem Solutions Indonesia and with the Ministry of Defense of the same Republic, for the supply and support of M-346F Block 20 aircraft to the Air Force of the Asian nation. The agreement follows the selection of the Italian trainer by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to replace the now obsolete Bae Hawks. The Letter of Intent also includes the provision of a wide range of support services, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities. The parties will continue towards the next negotiation phase to close the supply contract within a short time. Regarding the version of the aircraft chosen, it is the one defined as “light combat” equipped with a cockpit equipped with a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, standard Link 16 datalink, defense systems equipped with electronic countermeasures and new weapon systems. The Gbts system (Ground Based Training System) which combines simulated scenarios and elements with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) logic, the light-combat capability for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, the equipment and sensors as well as the probe for in-flight refueling. To date, the M-346 boasts over 150 thousand hours flown and almost 160 examples sold, allowing various Air Forces around the world to train pilots destined to fly on the latest generation high-performance fighters. To date, the pilots who have used and use the M346 for training belong to twenty nations, including those trained at the International Flight Training School of Decimomannu in Italy or who have chosen this aircraft in the “multi-role light fighter” version. The one in Singapore, born in 2008, is the biennial aerospace show not in China but closest to the People’s Republic, so it is not surprising that the Beijing aviation demonstrations in flight are the most spectacular; however, it is in the quiet rooms behind the exhibition stands that contracts are closed. The Singapore Army, for example, is implementing new strategies to counter swarms of low-cost drones and enhancing its capabilities in this field, largely relying on Israeli-made systems. Major General Kelvin Fan, head of the Singapore Air Force, said: “We are currently operationalizing our Orbiter 4 and Hermes 900 drones, both manufactured by Israeli companies, Aeronautics Group and Elbit Systems. Singapore will then implement a drone training program for all national service members known as ‘trained reservists’ who have already completed their two-year full-time national service.”
No one can miss where aviation grows the most
This year’s event hosts over 1,000 companies from over 50 countries. Asia and Oceania are in fact the markets in which commercial aviation is growing fastest in the world. Exhibitors include aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, engine manufacturers Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney and numerous leading companies in the aeronautical sector. Leck Chet Lam, CEO of Experia, the event organizer, said: “In the Asia-Pacific region, sustainability is indeed one of the key issues; some industry groups predict that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from non-oil feedstocks that reduces carbon emissions from aircraft, could account for up to 5% of global jet fuel consumption by 2030. Meanwhile, on Sunday 1 February, Airbus unveiled its ultra-long-range liner A350-1000. which can use a 50% mix of Saf and conventional fuel. By 2030, all Airbus planes and helicopters will be able to fly exclusively on this type of fuel. Boeing has instead presented a range of energy-efficient aircraft, including the internal section of the 777X. The US company has also committed to ensuring that its commercial jets are able to operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel by. 2030. The engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has therefore declared that it will make all its civil aircraft engines in production compatible with 100% sustainable fuel, signing a memorandum of understanding with the Economic Development Board of Singapore, with the aim of exploring growth opportunities for aerospace production. Chinese civil production is also present in force, with Comac, manufacturer of the C909 and C919 which, although very aggressive on a commercial level, continues to do so. depend on Chinese airlines and a handful of smaller Southeast Asian carriers, including carriers from Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia. This is because the C919 nor the smaller C909 regional jet have been certified by Western aviation authorities, limiting their prospects while protecting the production of large manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Canadair and Embraer.
