Leonardo M-346 completes first flight for Frecce Tricolori

The first M-346 aircraft destined for the Frecce Tricolori, Italy's National Acrobatic Patrol, has completed its maiden flight. The test flight took place on October 29 in Venegono Superiore, near Varese, at the Leonardo manufacturing facility.

The program involves the delivery of 15 new M-346 aircraft to replace the MB-339PAN, which has been in service since 1982. The fleet will consist of ten aircraft for acrobatic training, one for the commander, and four held in reserve. While maintaining the general configuration of the T-346A already used by the Italian Air Force, these specific models will be equipped with specialized systems required for the patrol, including recording equipment and the mechanisms used to produce colored smoke.

This milestone marks a transition from the initial announcement of the fleet upgrade to concrete industrial and operational progress for the Italian aeronautics industry.