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Comparison between M346 and T50

• Ted Yin• Avionics Specialist• alexsjyin@gmail.com

Date : 07/12/2014

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General information for M-346 and T-50 (1)

• M-346 is a trainer by design. KAI T-50, by comparison, is actually a fighter-bomber simplified to be a trainer.

• The T-50 program has expanded beyond a trainer concept to include the TA-50 light attack aircraft, as well as the FA-50 multirole fighter comparable to KF-16.

• Both M-346 and T-50 are an advanced and lead-in fighter trainer.

• Both offer a modern glass cockpit, with HOTAS, color multi-function displays, advanced navigation and communication suites and avionic architecture representative of front line aircraft.

• All have an 8G limit, although the T-50 and M346, being fly-by-wire, will probably have the edge on G-onset and agility.

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General information for M-346 and T-50 (2)

• T-50 (6354kg) is significantly heavier than M-346 (5200kg).• The M346 is twin-engined – potentially greater reliability, but

also greater cost. • The M346 is subsonic and cold power only; the T-50 has an

afterburner and is supersonic. • The service life is announced 10,000 hours by both. (The

official durability testing validate the 8,334-hour design service life of the T-50 in 2004.)

• Maintenance man-hours per flight hour is 4.0 hours for M-346. • KAI said that the T-50's Mean Flight Time Between Failure

(MFTBF) is 5.97 hours (MFTBF for F-16C/D is 2.58 hours), with Maintenance Man-hours per Flight Hour (MMH/FH) of 5.2 hours (F-16C/D Block 50/52 - 10 hours).

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General information forM-346 and T-50 (3)

• “The T-50 is more similar to an advanced F-16, the M-346 is much friendlier to an inexperience pilot.” (by Aviation week and space technology 07/04/2011)

• Avionics integration, life cycle cost and mission specifics may favor M-346.

• The multifunctional use of T-50 could be a minus point, if there are large enough to operate single-purpose trainer.

• Both offer embedded onboard training capability, “in flight” embedded training system is defined for M-346 while no evidence for T-50.

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About M-346 (Italy)

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M-346 (Italy)

• Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)• Features: Developed from YAK-130,

world's newest fifth generation advanced/lead in fighter trainer. Designed for training combat pilots. Capable of transonic flight without using afterburner which reduces operational and maintenance costs. Can also be deployed as light attack aircraft for combat operations.

• Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 37 x 31 x 16 feet

• Top Speed: Mach 1.15

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M-346 (Italy)• G Limit: -3/+8G • Avionics: Based on Main Computer and

Symbol Generator (MCSG) and Miscellaneous Computer (MISCO). Uses UHF/VHF transceivers, IFF transponder, Radar Altimeter, Digital moving Map and Voice command.

• Propulsion: 2x Honeywell F-124-GA-200• Flight Control System: Quadruple

redundant computer with sensors, Fly by Wire Control System, Uses Vortex Lift to maneuver and control at very high angle of attack (40 degrees). On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).

• Armaments: 9 hardpoints for variety of guns, bombs, missiles and rockets

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M-346 Stores Carriage• Gun pod • Air-to-Air Missiles• Training Bomb and Rocket dispenser• Air-to-Surface Missiles• Nav/Attack pod • Anti-Ship Missiles• ECM pod • Free-fall bombs• Recce pod • Laser-Guided bombs• Fuel tanks (3 x 630 l each) • Rocket Launchers• the structure designed to carry up to three

tons of various weapons• nine stores stations

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Major Avionics equipment of M3461. Main Computer and Symbol

Generator (MCSG) and a Miscellaneous Computer (MISCO)

2. UHV/VHF Transceivers3. IFF Transponder4. TCAS (Optional)5. Laser Gyro inertial platform

with embedded GPS (IN/GPS)6. TACAN7. VOR/ILS/MB8. Radar Altimeter9. Ground Proximity warning

system

10. Voice Command11. Head Up Display

(raster/stroke type)12. Up-front control panel13. Liquid crystal color

multifunction display14. Hands on throttle and stick

control15. Get home display for backup

flight data display16. Helmet mount display option17. In-flight Embedded Tactical

Training Simulation (ETTS)

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EMBEDDED TACTICAL TRAINING SIMULATION (ETTS)

• ETTS design includes two embedded simulation areas:– In-Flight Sensor and Scenario

Simulation (Embedded Simulation of Radar, EO/IR sensors, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and Tactical Datalink, to simulate a variety of tactical scenarios:)

– In-Flight Weapons Simulation (Allows weapons training without employing actual weapons.)

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Helmet Mounted Display & Virtual avionics of M-346

The M-346 cockpit is designed as a modern glass cockpit, and (left). The avionics represented in the cockpit employ embedded 'virtual avionics' realistically representing advanced systems including radar, targeting systems, electronic warfare and other avionics, without the need to carry such expensive systems on board, or simulate a training combat-like environment in the real world. Yet the pilot can practice using these systems as part of regular flight training, based on input provided on board or from other aircraft or participants, networked training environments

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The Advantage of M-346 • It is designed to the latest “design-to-cost” and

“design-to-maintain” concepts, with avionics modeled upon those of fifth-generation combat aircraft.

• Modular avionics architecture to integrate new systems/equipment, sensors and weapons, providing significant growth potential.

• A complete in-flight Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) suite is a key M-346 feature and, in turn, the core element of an Integrated Training System (ITS). ETTS enables the M-346 to offer the whole spectrum of simulated training functions.

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The Disadvantage of M-346• With external Gun pod, an externally carried gun

pod was less effective than an internal gun. • Its pilot uses a centre-stick to command a digital

fly-by-wire control system, would conflict with MFD equipment space and designing the ejection seat .

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About KAI T-50 (South Korea)

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T-50 (South Korea)• Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)• Features: A family of supersonic

trainers and multirole fighters. T-50 is economic and advanced trainer while TA-50 is supersonic Lead in Fighter Trainer and capable of Light attack mission. Can be used as interceptor as it can reach supersonic speed.

• Dimensions: Length x Wingspan x Height: 43 x 31 x 16 feet

• Top Speed: Mach 1.5

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KAI T-50 (South Korea)• G Limit: -3/+8G• Avionics: Embedded GPS/INS, UHF/VHF

Radio, Integrated IFF, Radar Altimeter, Integrated Mission Computer

• Propulsion: High Trust with After Burner F404-GE-102

• Flight Control System: Uses NEOS avionics operating system, Fly by Wire Digital flight, Active Stick technology, Triple Redundant Electrical System, On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), Electrical Emergency Power Unit and Digital Break by Wire.

• Armaments: Rockets: Hydra 70, Air to Air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Air to Land: AGM 65 and Bombs: MK 82

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Major Avionics equipment of T50• Mission computer (GEC

Marconi IMDC)• UHF/VHF Radio• Integrated IFF• Honeywell H-764G

embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system

• TACAN• VOR/ILS• HG9550 radar altimeter• Wild field of view HUD• Integrated Up-front control

• Color multifunction display• Hands on throttle and Stick

control• Stores Management System• EFI (ADI& HIS)• UDTE• AVTR• VADR

T-50 Stores Carriage

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Embedded Training System of T-50T-50's embedded training system (ETS) has been developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) using the embedded virtual avionics (EVA). KAI ETS contains several functions of simulation for the air-to-air and air-to-ground combat training. In the architecture of KAI ETS, the target/threat database is the main component of the ETS. Virtual sensors, equipments, and weapons can share the data of target/threat from one source, virtual target/ threat database. EVA data messages for embedded training are transmitted to mission computer (MC) via MIL-STD-1553B card. The interface between the EVA card and MIL-STD-1553B card is used for the TCP/IP communication mechanism over Ethernet.

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The Advantage of T-50 • High technology and performance: Consider the weapon,

performance, and supersonic capability. Golden Eagle can as a light strike fighter.

• Commonality: T-50 is based on F-16. T-50 can perfectly a LIFT aircraft for F-16MLU. Also, reduing the aircraft type is the major concern. So training and striking in the same aircraft is obviously a good idea.

• T-50 had excellent interoperability with the current F-16s.• Electronically linked sticks – the instructor can “feel” the

students’ movements and make suggestions or corrections as required

• Digital flight controls – enable us to “detune” the aircraft, limiting pitch, angle of attack and role rate, to make it even easier for the student to transition from the T-50.

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The Disadvantage of T-50• “The T-50 is more similar to an advanced F-16, one officer

tells Aviation Week. He adds that “the M-346 is much friendlier to an inexperienced pilot.” The T-50 also has the advantage of supersonic speed, compared to the transonic M-346.

• Lower mission life (8,334 hours) compared with M-346 (10,000 hours) with higher Maintenance Man-hours per Flight Hour (5.2 hours) compared with M-346 (4 hours).

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Comparison of Avionics Equipment (1)

M-346 T-50

Mission computer Selex ES (Selex Galileo) GEC Marconi IMDC

Helmet mounted sight Elbit Systems Targo Not available

Data link Not available Not available

MFD Driven-Technologies Inc. (CMFD)

Honeywell 5”x5” color

Radar model (provision) (TA-50, FA-50)

Navigation Honeywell Aerospace (EGI) Honeywell H-764G EGI

U/VHF Selex Communications SpA Raytheon AN/ARC-232

VOR/ILS Rockwell Collins Rockwell AN/ARN-147(v)

TACAN Thales Avionics S.A. Rocjwell AN/ARN-153

Radar Altimeter available HG9550

Comparison of Avionics Function (2)M-346 T-50

CCTVS (to be supplied) Fairchild 1291ML1-C

UDTE (to be supplied) Fairchild

AVTR (to be supplied) TEAC V-80AB-FS

ADI/HSI Driven-Technologies Inc. (GET HOME DISPLAY)

Honeywell EFI (EADI/EHSI)

IFF available Litton APX-108

FDR LOGIC Co. (CSMU) Smith Industries

HUD Selex ES (Selex Galileo) GEC Marconi

SMS LOGIC Co. DCHS

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Comparison of front cockpit arrangement

M-346 T-50

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Comparison of instructor’s visibility

M-346

T-50

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Special Comparison of Embedded Training System (need more detail information for

this key issue)

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Summarized the Comparison between Avionics of M346 and T50 (1)

M-346 T-50 Note

PVI interface • Based on Trainer design

• Much friendlier to an inexperienced pilot

• Inconvenient to pilot's legs by centre stick

• Higher Instructor visibility

• Based on fighter design

• Similar cockpit arrangement with F-16

Avionics Equipment

• Significant growth potential with Modular avionics architecture (IMA)

• An externally gun pod is less effective than internal gun

• High Commonality with F-16

• Traditional avionics architecture (federated architecture, FA)

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Summarized the Comparison between Avionics of M346 and T50 (2)

M-346 T-50 Note

Life Cycle Cost • Twin engine with higher cost

• With higher mission life (10,000 hours)

• Lower Maintenance Man-hours per Flight Hour ( (4 hours)

• Lower mission life (8,334 hours, formal ground test)

• Higher Maintenance Man-hours per Flight Hour (5.2 hours)

Embedded training system (ETS)

• With matured Elbit Embedded Tactical Training System

• Developed by KAI without detail specification

USAF T-X program defined ETS based on Elbit capability

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Special concern for ETS

• ETS is the most cost effective training capability for modern trainer and fighter.

• USAF developed similar E-CATS and accomplish the flight test for F-16 MLU.

• The similar capability also defined in F-35.

• USAF T-X program define similar capability as KPP.

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ETS for LIFT and Benefit for F-35• “…Several ‘Super Teams’ have been formed to compete for the T-X

program. One such value addition is the induction of Virtual Training System (VTS) for Embedded/Constructive training during the advanced stage of LIFT. RFIs have been floated but the issue has been dormant after that. One such Embedded Training System (ETS) has just been contracted by the Israel Air Force from Elbit in support of its acquisition of the M-346 aircraft. More about Embedded Training will be discussed later.”

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USAF release T-X key performance parameters (part KPP):

1. an aircraft with simulators and computer-aided learning courseware for the new system.

2. have an operational availability of no less than 64.7%3. be able to sustain 6.5Gs for no less than 15 seconds using no more than 15 degrees

nose low attitude at 80% fuel weight between an altitude of 10,000 and 20,000 feet4. the ability to attain a minimum of 7.5G and an onset rate of 3Gs per second5. attain at least a 12° per second instantaneous turn rate with a sustained turn rate of

9°6. be able to conduct angle-of-attack maneuvering at greater than the 20° angle-of-

attack7. be able to make dry contacts with an aerial refueling tanker8. having simulated radars, data-links, radar-warning receivers, situational awareness

displays and a full glass-cockpit similar to the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35.

9. have the ability to simulate a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons including the AIM-120 and Small Diameter Bomb onboard.

10. The training package must also include networked weapon system trainers (WST), operational flight trainers (OFT), and unit training devices (UTD).

11. The whole system must be able train new students who will eventually fly the F-22.12. Life-cycle costs are required to be no more than $35.3 billion over 20 years in then-

year dollars.

Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium – National Aerospace Laboratory NLR

Embedded Training How can it improve our pilots’ competencies?

Jan Joris Roessingh, Ph.D. Edzard Boland, M.Sc.Human Effectiveness departmentNational Aerospace Laboratory NLRAmsterdam, the Netherlands

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Main Messages To make ET a success, a two-pronged perspective is

required: ‘Training Needs’ perspective ‘Systems Engineering’ perspective

With ET, the improved efficiency of new training development approaches can be capitalised.

Embedded Training -- compared with -- Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training

ET = uncomplicated version of LVC without the virtual (V-) elements:

– no ground-based man-in-the-loop simulations ET contains LC

Live (L) elements – actual aircraft

Constructive (C) elements– Software models, computer generated:

Forces Battlefield conditions

No complex LVC organisation necessary ET = less personnel, assets and costs.

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ET Benefits

ET provides realistic training ‘any time anywhere’ ET system is fielded and maintained concurrent with

the operational equipment reduced need for:

instrumented training ranges ‘live’ assets, replaces ‘red air’ other training equipment

reduces: environmental impact (noise, emissions) wear and tear on operational systems training management

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Competency Based Training Projected Missions & Hours

SyllabusTrainingMissions Sim

Live Hours * General AA AG Incl. Night

IQT/MQT 94 32 141 15 54 28 16

WM F-16 52 19+ 78 7 25** 20** 7

** Note. Whole-Task-Approach implies AA aspects in a AG-focused block vice versa* 1 mission ~ 1.5 hrs

Don’t worry. I was trained by the Air

Force!

Potential savings, however whole task training requires:• More blue air support• More red air support