The document compares the avionics and capabilities of the M-346 and T-50 trainer aircraft. Some key points of comparison include: - The M-346 is designed purely as a trainer while the T-50 was derived from a fighter-bomber and can also fulfill light attack roles. - The T-50 is significantly heavier than the M-346 and has greater supersonic speed capabilities due to its afterburning engine. - Both aircraft have advanced glass cockpits and avionics representative of front-line fighters. The M-346 utilizes a modular avionics architecture while the T-50 uses a more traditional federated architecture. - The M-346

1. Comparison between
M346 and T50
• Ted Yin
• Avionics Specialist
• alexsjyin@gmail.com
Date : 07/12/2014
2016/8/14 1

2. 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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3. 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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4. General information for
M-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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5. About M-346 (Italy)
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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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9. Major Avionics equipment of M346
1. Main Computer and Symbol
Generator (MCSG) and a
Miscellaneous Computer
(MISCO)
2. UHV/VHF Transceivers
3. IFF Transponder
4. TCAS (Optional)
5. Laser Gyro inertial platform
with embedded GPS
(IN/GPS)
6. TACAN
7. VOR/ILS/MB
8. Radar Altimeter
9. Ground Proximity warning
system
10. Voice Command
11. Head Up Display
(raster/stroke type)
12. Up-front control panel
13. Liquid crystal color
multifunction display
14. Hands on throttle and stick
control
15. Get home display for
backup flight data display
16. Helmet mount display
option
17. In-flight Embedded Tactical
Training Simulation (ETTS)
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10. 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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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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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16. About KAI T-50 (South Korea)
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17. 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
2016/8/14 17

18. 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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19. 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
2016/8/14 19

20. T-50 Stores Carriage
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21. 2016/8/14 21

22. Embedded Training System of T-50
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T-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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26. 2016/8/14 26

27. 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.
2016/8/14 27

28. 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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29. 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
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30. 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
2016/8/14 30

31. Comparison of front cockpit
arrangement
2016/8/14 31
M-346 T-50

32. Comparison of instructor’s visibility
2016/8/14 32
M-346
T-50

33. Special Comparison of Embedded Training
System (need more detail information for this
key issue)
2016/8/14 33

34. 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)
2016/8/14 34

35. 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
2016/8/14 35

36. Special concern for ETS
2016/8/14 36
• 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.

37. 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.”
2016/8/14 37

38. 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 feet
4. the ability to attain a minimum of 7.5G and an onset rate of 3Gs per second
5. 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-attack
7. be able to make dry contacts with an aerial refueling tanker
8. 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.
2016/8/14 38

39. 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 department
National Aerospace Laboratory NLR
Amsterdam, the Netherlands

40. 40
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.

41. 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.

42. 42
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

43. 43
Competency Based Training
Projected Missions & Hours
Syllabus
Training
Missions 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