Macchi aeronautical factory earned a contract from Italian Air Force in 1972 where it developed nine different projects to develop a jet trainer of second generation like a substitute in the eighties of Macchi MB 326 and Fiat G 91T . Seven of these projects derivated from MB 338 and the most important changing was the adoption of different engines like Viper, Larzac, Adour, RB 401 and TFE 731.The two interesting projects were the trainer powered from Viper 600 and Larzac, but in February of 1975 Italian Air Force choosen the project with the Viper engine. MB 339 has the main structure of the Macchi MB 326K ( monoseat version for attack of the trainer MB 326) with a modified cockpit with a better view for the pilot and a bigger tail surface. First of two prototypes flew for the first time in Venegono Field (Varese, Italy ) on August 12nd of 1976 and the second prototype flew on May 20th of 1977 with the adding of some improvement at the brake system, an oriented noise wheel and a better conditioning system of the cockpit. MB 339 has two seats with the backseat in upper position to give a better view at the instructor pilot that seats in the back. A longer and transparent canopy gives a better view, also the choose of the Martin Baker 0-0 ejection seat gives better chances to bail out of the plane in case of troubles.Avionics dotation includes, IFF ( identification friend or foe ), VHF, TACAN, strumentation to land with zero visibility and more. Again , the fuel tanks at the edge of the wings of the capacity of 1413 litres together at fuel tanks under the wings , each of 340 litres, give at MB 339 a long range. After the two prototypes, Italian Guvernment ordered fifteen examples on a total of one hundred. Even if MB 339 was not designed like planes like Hawk or Alpha Jet, it can do attack missions because under the wings a total of six point can carry weapon or fuel tanks. Falkland War showed the MB 339 is a very good attack plane in hands of good pilots because Argentinian pilots sunk a British ship. At today, MB 339 is still serving in several Air Forces all over the world but overall is well knows like the plane of the best acrobatic team all over the world, the Frecce Tricolori ( Rivolto, Udin, Italy ).

AERMACCHI MB 339 : VARIANTS

MB 339 : The MB-339 jet trainer, produced by Aermacchi SpA of Varese, Italy, has been widely exported and is in service with the air forces of Argentina, Dubai, Eritrea, Ghana, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria and Peru. The MB-339 jet trainer was initially developed to cover the basic and advanced training requirements of the Italian Air Force. Over 200 trainers are in service.

MB 339 A : The MB-339A, equipped with a Viper 632 engine, is in service with seven air forces in basic and advanced training and close air support roles

MB 339 B : The MB-339B is fitted with the more powerful Viper 680 Rolls Royce engine and higher capacity tip tanks.

MB 339 C : The MB-339C, also powered by the Viper 680 engine, is fitted with an enhanced avionics fit. The aircraft has been in full service since 1991 and its configuration includes: Head Up Display (HUD) in both cockpits; a monochromatic multifunction display (MFD); hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control; NAV Computer; Weapon Aiming Computer; Inertial Platform; Stores Management System; and Radar Warning Receiver.This version is used for close air support

MB 339 CD (FD) : full digital version used to train the new pilots for the fighters of today. Noise redrawed, avionics changed from analog to digital with the adoption of multifunction displays.Some examples are serving with Italian Air Force. It has flight refuelling capacities

MB 339 K : version used for attack, monoseat version with same engine of MB 339 trainer, Roll Royce Viper 640 made from Piaggio on Rolls Royce license . This engine gives a more power thrust than MB 339 trainer.First flight on 1980

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

AERMACCHI MB 339

Primary Function

:

Biplace trainer and close air support airplane

Contractor

:

Aermacchi (Italy)

Power Plant

:

nr. one Rolls Royce Viper 632-43 of 1814 kg of power thrust. Built from Piaggio

Maximum Speed

:

558 mph (898 km/h) at seal level

Ceiling

:

47986 feet (14630 metres)

Range

:

1372 mi. (2210 kilometres with adding of fuel tanks)

Equipped Empty Weight

:

7073 lbs. (3215 kilos)

Maximum Takeoff Weight

:

12969 lbs. (5895 kilos) with fuel tanks under wings

Wingspan

:

35,62 feet (10,86 metres)

Lenght

:

35,98 feet (10,97 metres)

Height

:

13,09 feet (3,99 metres)

Wing Area

:

207,73 sq.ft. (19,30 m2)

Armament

:

nr. six pylons under wings till a loading of di 3960 lbs.(1800 kilos)