Aermacchi expects to roll out the first serial production M-346 advanced jet trainer by the end of March, with the aircraft likely to make its flight in early June. "The aircraft structure is done - we are now completing the wiring," says Aermacchi chief executive Carmelo Cosentino. "We plan to bring the aircraft to the Farn-borough air show." The second prototype accomplished its first in-flight refuelling operations on 24-25 January, receiving fuel from an Italian air force Panavia Tornado equipped with a "buddy" hose-and-drogue refuelling pod. Reiterating that the type is the best option for advanced trainer competitions in Singapore, where it is up against the BAE Hawk and Korea Aerospace Industries T-50, Cosentino says the design is a good fit for all existing aircraft and upcoming fifth-generation fighters.
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