Frecce Tricolori’s new mount unveiled
September 12, 2024
A specially marked Leonardo T-346 Master was a surprise addition to the ceremony marking the return of the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team from their North America Tour on 12 September at Istrana Air Base in northeastern Italy
The initial plan was to replace the 11 MB.339PAN aircraft (callsigns Pony 0 to Pony 10) that now equip the Frecce Tricolori with the M-345 High Efficiency Trainer, but the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI, Italian Air Force) today confirmed that the team will now transition to the twin-engine T-346A in 2028. The T-345 was reportedly not felt well suited to large team formation aerobatics, and that the Frecce Tricolori would benefit from the higher performance of the twin-engined T-346 Master, whose higher thrust and greater manoeuvrability would be useful in maintaining the quality and spectacle of the Frecce’s air displays, better allowing the Frecce Tricolori to “represent Italy in the world.”
The Italian Air Force currently operates 18 M-346s together with four Leonardo-owned aircraft, which operate from Decimomannu Air Base in the advanced training role with the 61° Stormo and International Flight Training School. Reports suggest that the AMI may now obtain a batch of 15 modified M-346s to equip the Frecce Tricolori.
The T-345 will still be used by the 61° Stormo (Wing) for Phase 2 and 3 training, replacing the aging MB-339A jets.
The Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (National Aerobatic Team) was renamed as the Frecce Tricolori in 1962, when the famous blue livery with its distinctive green, white and red frecce (arrows) was adopted. The team flew the Fiat G-91PAN from 1963-1982, when it re-equipped with the MB-339PAN.
The livery of the new M-346, (MM55224/0), was designed by Pininfarina SpA, the famous Italian design and engineering firm best-known for its work in the automotive industry. The new colour scheme embodies the theme of the “renaissance of the tricolour” and is intended to convey a “sensation of speed and dynamism.”
Present at the ceremony were the Vice President of the Senate, Senator Gian Marco Centinaio, the Minister of Defense the Hon. Guido Crosetto, and the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Luca Goretti, as well as the Comandante della Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, T. Col. Massimiliano Salvatore.
The Frecce Tricolori’s North America Tour 2024, was a “monumental effort”, spanning 90 days, and seeing the team participating in nine airshows and 17 flyovers across the US and Canada.
