Frecce Tricolori change of aircraft.

[lossiemouth]

Some time ago it was said that the Frecce would change to the M 345 HET at the end of this season. I presume that things have slipped back a bit since then, as I noticed this on a website today.

Today, March 22, 2016, the Air Force said in a statement:

"It was also confirmed the impending completion of the phase of approval for the acquisition of the M-345, which will replace the aircraft MB-339, intended to serve the Military Pilot patent in the future. The M-345 also will wear the livery of the Frecce Tricolori, the aerobatic team. "

Has anyone heard anything regarding the possible date of the change?

[Hammy]

I believe the EIS date is Q4 2017, although this was announced in a press release from Finmeccanica in late 2014, so it may well have changed.

If Q4 2017 is still the case, then I can't see that the Frecce MB-339s will be replaced any sooner than 2018.

[lossiemouth]

Thanks Hammy, really useful.

PS. You were always my favourite in Tales of the riverbank!

[duxfordhawk]

There was a Aermacchi M-345 HET in Frecce Tricolori scheme at Farnborough 2014 and it was said at the time they the team would get them for the 2017 season I assume that's still the case, pity to see the the MB 339 go as it's a great performer.

Aermacchi M-345 HET Farnborough 2014
Aermacchi M-345 HET Farnborough 2014 by Martin Stitchener, on Flickr

[paulb1973]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

[st24]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

Or a tail slide ?! These are the questions as these manoeuvres have set the solo routine aside form all other jet teams..

[duxfordhawk]

We can only hope that the M-345 is as capable, I personally am looking forward to seeing them at RIAT in the MB-339PAN for last time.

[lossiemouth]

We can only hope that the M-345 is as capable, I personally am looking forward to seeing them at RIAT in the MB-339PAN for last time.

If you look at the statements issued over the last couple of years by the Italian Air Force, I think the smart money is on the 2018 season being the last with the MB-339PAN. I do hope so, might be able to see them by then!!

[TIGER TIM]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

The taill "slide" when veiwed from the side shows that the aircraft is still moving forward. Basically is a optical illousion ( ) to those standing on the crowd line.

[st24]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

I think that should read "a RAF Hawk tried it once and once only"...

Picking this up as the first 5 aircraft have only just been ordered.. I though the '345 was being procured purely for the Frecce but it appears they're going to be part of the trainer programme as a lead in to a lead in advanced trainer!!
http://militaryaviationreview.com/itali ... -345-order

[Elliott Marsh]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

I think that should read "a RAF Hawk tried it once and once only"

When was this?! I feel the need to hunt down footage. The Hawk solo used to do some pretty funky stuff - the tail slide-y bunt-y thing and the negative G barrel roll from a few years back were particularly impressive.

[st24]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

I think that should read "a RAF Hawk tried it once and once only"...

Picking this up as the first 5 aircraft have only just been ordered.. I though the '345 was being procured purely for the Frecce but it appears they're going to be part of the trainer programme as a lead in to a lead in advanced trainer!!
http://militaryaviationreview.com/itali ... -345-order

[Wrexham Mackem]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

The taill "slide" when veiwed from the side shows that the aircraft is still moving forward. Basically is a optical illousion ( ) to those standing on the crowd line.

eh? a lomcevak from a Hawk? well, that was certainly before my time if so. When was this?

I think its fairly certain to assume the Frecce Tricolori handover has slipped. They'd be working up by now if the new fleet was on the cards for this season, surely.

[st24]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

The taill "slide" when veiwed from the side shows that the aircraft is still moving forward. Basically is a optical illousion ( ) to those standing on the crowd line.

eh? a lomcevak from a Hawk? well, that was certainly before my time if so. When was this?

.

It didn't. RAF have never Lomcevak'd a Hawk.

[effects]

Someone tried it in a Jag when I was on 54(F), did not turn out well, double ECU change!

[patrouille2001]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

I think that should read "a RAF Hawk tried it once and once only"...

Picking this up as the first 5 aircraft have only just been ordered.. I though the '345 was being procured purely for the Frecce but it appears they're going to be part of the trainer programme as a lead in to a lead in advanced trainer!!
http://militaryaviationreview.com/itali ... -345-order

I am sure the Late Flt Lt Bill Auckland performed a similar manouver during his routine many years ago, (Tail Slide)

Paul

[st24]

Can the M-345 perform the Lomcevak manoeuvre?!

The answer should be yes has the RAF's solo Hawk T1 did it for one season.

I think that should read "a RAF Hawk tried it once and once only"...

Picking this up as the first 5 aircraft have only just been ordered.. I though the '345 was being procured purely for the Frecce but it appears they're going to be part of the trainer programme as a lead in to a lead in advanced trainer!!
http://militaryaviationreview.com/itali ... -345-order

I am sure the Late Flt Lt Bill Auckland performed a similar manouver during his routine many years ago, (Tail Slide)

Paul

When? What year was that??

[TIGER TIM]

It would have been the late 1990's (97 or 98).

I was on a visit to No.74 (R) Squadron at RAF Valley and watch Bill pull this off during a ISP display at the base.

[AMB]

I believe the EIS date is Q4 2017, although this was announced in a press release from Finmeccanica in late 2014, so it may well have changed.

If Q4 2017 is still the case, then I can't see that the Frecce MB-339s will be replaced any sooner than 2018.

Correct, it has slipped as I was informed that the team pilots will be training on the M-345 during this year before the team re-requips for the 2018 season.