Originally Posted by
chevvron
The M (originally Aermacchi) 345 is a development of the M211 and is thus basically a 28 year old design; doesn't the RAF deserve something more recent?
The Aeralis is 'due to fly next year', a situation which has existed for several years.
Correct, the T345 is essentially a redesigned and modernised S211 whose lineage is circa 1982 give or take. The aircraft at Boscombe is in the U.K. for trials activity and is not being evaluated for use by either RAFAT or Phase 4. If, and I guess it’s still a big if, the RAF were to move ahead with replacing Hawk in total then unless you like small batch craft gin it’s T346, T-50 or T-7. As an outside bet, I wouldn’t put it past BAE to try and politicise this with a Typhoon for Hurjet deal or insist whatever is chosen is licensed built in the U.K. with some bespoke systems.