Aermacchi MB-339, RIAT 2004 ©Dave Key
ROLE
Advanced Trainer / Light Attack.
FIRST FLIGHT
12 August 1976.
The MB-339 is a light attack jet trainer designed and built by Aermacchi.
It is an all metal construction two-seat tandem aircraft with the instructor’s seat raised to allow visibility over and past the students head.
The cockpit is pressurised and has a jettisonable canopy which works in conjunction with two Martin-Baker ejection seats.
The low wings have tip tanks and the air intakes for the single turbojet engine are located within the wing roots.
While some MB-339’s were intended for training only, others were used for light fighter and fighter-bomber roles and were typically outfitted with more advance avionics, such as improved inertial guidance systems, nav/attack computers and hands-on throttle throttle-and-stick flight controls.
Some defensive systems were also used such as radio jammer, radar warning receiver and electronic counter measures.
Armament consists of two 30mm cannon and six underwing hard points which can accommodate up to 4,000 lb (1,815 kg) ordinance.
PRODUCTION
The Aermacchi MB-339 was produced from 1978, with over 200 built.
ENGINE
Rolls Royce Viper Mk.632, producing 4,000 lbf..
ARMAMENT
2 x DEFA 30mm cannon
4,000 lb (1,815 kg) Bomb/Rocket/Missile load
The Aermacchi MB-339 entered service with the Italian Air Force in 1978 and has been flown as its principal trainer aircraft.
The MB-339 is also flown by Frecce Tricolori aerobatic display team.
The Italian Air Force started replacing the MB-339 with the M-345 as their basic trainer.
| Crew - 1 + trainee |
| Length - 36ft 0in (10.97m) |
| Wingspan - 35ft 7.5in (10.86m) |
| Height - 11ft 9.75in (3.6m) |
| Empty Weight - 6,780lb (3075kg) |
| Max. Weight - 13,000lb (5897kg) |
| Max. Speed - 558 mph (898 km/h) |
| Range - 1,093 miles (1,760 km) |
