Description:
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a twin-seat tandem cockpit, advanced training aircraft powered by two turbojet engines, equipped with fly-by-wire controls and three multifunctional liquid crystal displays. Originally, Yakovlev developed the Yak-130 as the replacement for the L-29 and L-39 training aircraft in the Russian Air Force and foreign air forces all over the world. It is designed to provide advanced training suitable for 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft at lower costs than those trainers it is meant to supersede. In addition, the Yak-130 features a limited ground attack capability being capable of delivering a wide range of guided and unguided weapons.
The Yak-130 was originally developed jointly by Yakovlev of Russia and Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, of Italy to meet the requirements of both countries' air forces. Both companies decided to step down the common aircraft program which led Aermacchi to develop the M-436 based upon the expertise gained during the Yak-130 program. In August 2005, Irkut, the parent company of Yakovlev, and Aermacchi signed an agreement on development of an international version of the aircraft and further versions as well.
Actually, the Yak-130 airplane developed for the Russian Air Force is an aircraft family. This family includes Yak-133 fighter, Yak-133IB fighter bomber, Yak-133R reconnaissance aircraft, Yak-133PP Jammer/Trainer, Yak-133 shipborne trainer and Yak-133 unmanned reconnaissance attack aircraft. In connection with the agreements signed on 18 August 2005, Finmeccanica's Alenia Aeronautica and Aermacchi are in partnership with Yakovlev/Irkut in the development of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies based on the Yak-130 airframe.
Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, developed the M-346 advanced trainer on the basis of the Yakovlev Yak-130 light attack aircraft which was developed to meet the requirements of the Russian Air Force for a light attack/trainer to replace the L-39. Originally, both companies Yakovlev and Aermacchi were engaged on the Yak-130 development. The high-tech M-346 design focuses on advanced training capabilities for 4+/5th generation fighter aircraft but retaining a light attack capability equipped with western avionics, weapons and engines.
The M-346 first flight occurred in the Spring of 2004 and since then the Italian Air Force along with Aermacchi are qualifying the new jet airplane. Thus far, the Italian Air Force would be the prime customer for the M-346 providing advanced training for the crews of the highly maneuverable Eurofighter/Typhoon. International orders are expected due to the advanced features and handling qualities of this new generation trainer which competes to become the European standard training aircraft.
On 19 January 2006, Italy's Aermacchi and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the M-346 fighter lead-in trainer. Under the terms of the agreement HAI share on the M-346 program was 10 percent which translated into responsibility for designing, producing and assembling some parts of the aircraft such as the rear fuselage. Other Greek companies also participated in the program as sub-contractors.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2
Dimensions: Height 4 m, Length 11 m, Wingspan 10.4 m
Weights: Max Takeoff Weight 9,000 kg (19,841 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 9,700 lb (4,400 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 12,500 m (41,010 ft), Top Speed Mach 1.20 (1,434 kph)
Italy / 15 / 
United Arab Emirates / 48 /