13:08 GMT, November 12, 2009 SELEX Galileo, of Finmeccanica, has been participating in the M-346 programme since its inception, as a risk sharing partner with Alenia Aermacchi, taking on responsibility for the development and supply of the Mission Core System (MCS) for the advanced trainer. SELEX Galileo welcomes the formal signing of the contract, that will kick off the production and deliveries of the 15 aircraft to the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force). Flight trials have demonstrated the performance and robustness of the Mission Core System, which has also been highly rated by pilots.

SELEX Galileo’s presence on the programme includes a significant contribution to the development and production of the Ground Based Training System, in the framework of the contract awarded to CAE by Alenia Aermacchi. SELEX Galileo will be responsible for the delivery and support of a number of Full Mission Simulator (FMS) sub systems, including the Instructor Operating Station (IOS), a high-fidelity replica of the M-346 Cockpit, modeling and simulation of the Avionics and most of the Aircraft Systems.

SELEX Galileo’s unique track record in the development of highly integrated avionics, sensors and simulation systems for international programmes such as Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado, AW101 and NH90, mean that it is ideally placed to offer a high level of technological expertise to effectively support the customer and the aircraft manufacturer in achieving the full capability required from this latest generation jet trainer.

SELEX Galileo production will be carried out mainly at the Group’s sites in Pomezia (Rome), Nerviano (Milan) Ronchi dei Legionari (Trieste) in Itlay.

MCS is based on an innovative “open architecture” Mission Computer (MCSG) hosting the operational flight program on a state-of-the-art glass cockpit which includes six smart multi-functional displays (5”x5” AMLCD) and two Head Up Displays (HUD-100). MCS also provides a high level of functional integration and easy add-on capability for growth potential.

The M-346 Mission Core System manages:

• Communications: handling of MIL-STD 1553, High/Low Speed Serial Links;
• Displays: symbology generation for HUDs and HDDs;
• Mission Sensors: sensors data collection and Tactical Data Base management;
• EICAS: sensors data acquisition and “Crew Alerting” control.


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