Textron Aviation Defense launches nationwide tour showcasing Beechcraft M-346N capabilities for U.S. Navy

WICHITA, Kan. (Sept. 17, 2025) — Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, launched a nationwide tour this week to showcase the Beechcraft M-346N as a “ready-now” total solution for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. The aircraft set off from Beech Factory Airport following its assembly at Textron Aviation Defense’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas.

The Beechcraft M-346N is part of a proven integrated training system based on the original M-346 developed by Leonardo, which is currently training pilots for 4th and 5th generation aircraft for air forces worldwide.

Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo have entered into a teaming agreement to work together to meet the Navy’s requirements for its new jet trainer. The U.S. Navy has released several Requests for Information related to an upcoming Request for Proposals for a new aircraft for the UJTS program.  

The Beechcraft M-346N offers a full training ecosystem, including high-fidelity ground-based devices, adaptive AI-powered instruction and a Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) architecture that links aircraft, simulators and computer-generated forces in real time. The system also features Precision Landing Mode to prepare naval aviators for carrier-based operations. 

With more than 100 M-346 aircraft produced by Leonardo in service and over 150,000 flight hours logged, the platform has demonstrated exceptional performance and reliability in meeting the rigorous training demands of 20 global users and counting. These results translate into reduced training risk and accelerated student readiness. 

The Beechcraft M-346N — a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft with fully digital flight controls and avionics — is equipped with a fly-by-wire flight control system with quadruple redundancy, a cutting-edge human-machine interface with Head-Up Display and Large Area Display in each cockpit, hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls and innovative safety features such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS). 

Fitted with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N delivers an inherently high level of safety along with impressive performance, including a maximum cruise speed of more than 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft. 

The aircraft’s advanced aerodynamic design enables exceptional maneuverability and energy management, while the elevated rear cockpit gives instructors excellent visibility in all phases of flight. The result is a trainer that effectively bridges basic instruction and the high-performance world of carrier-based fighter operations. 

For more information, visit defense.txtav.com.