Aermacchi M.B.339

Military jet

Aermacchi M.B.339 was built by Alenia Aermacchi. The creation of this type was requested by the Aernautica Militaire. They wanted to use it as new trainer.

MB-339
An MB-339CD of the Italian Air Force
RoleAdvanced trainer and light attack aircraft
ManufacturerAlenia Aermacchi
First flight12 August 1976
Introduction1979
StatusActive in production
Primary usersItalian Air Force
Royal Malaysian Air Force
Eritrean Air Force
United Arab Emirates Air Force
Produced1978–present
Number built230[1]
Unit cost
$8.3 million
Developed fromAermacchi MB-326

Development

Based on Aermacchi M.B. 326, M.B. 339 is a direct successor of this type. The changes made on the cockpit, front parts and tail-end result in new product. The delivery has started in 1978. From 1982, those planes became the main plane of the Italian flight group Frecce Tricolori. This plane has been exported in 8 countries. The later types like M.B. 339 CD/FD have been produced only for Frecce Tricolori and can be seen as 4th generation fighters.

Technical data (M.B.339A)

DataUnits
Production time1973-1985
ManufacturerAlenia Aermacchi
Wingspan12,20 m
Length10,90 m
Hight3,90 m
Wing area19,30 m²
Weight (empty)3.125 kg
Max takeoff weight5.900 kg
Passengers-
Crew2
Speed898 km/h
Service ceiling14.630 m
Range2110 km
Powerplant1*Rolls Royce Viper 632-43
Weapons1800 kg rockets or bombs

References