Aermacchi MB.339

1976


TRAINER, LIGHT ATTACK PLANE	Virtual Aircraft Museum / Italy / Macchi

The Aermacchi MB.339 had its origin in a study contract issued by the Italian Air Force for a second-generation trainer and light attack aircraft to succeed the MB.326 and the Fiat G.91T, for service in the 1980s. The company undertook nine separate design studies, each with a different powerplant option, and the Viper-powered version was selected. A redesigned forward fuselage provided the instructor in the rear seat with better all-round visibility, and the avionics suite was completely upgraded. The single-seat version was designated MB.339K. Customers include Argentina, Peru, Dubai, Ghana, Malaysia and Nigeria.

Robert Jackson "The Encyclopedia of Aircraft", 2004

FACTS AND FIGURES

� The MB.339 introduced a 33cm stepped SICAMB/Martin-Baker Mk 10 'zero-zero' ejection seat.

� Lockheed sought to sell licence-built MB.339s to the US as the 'T-bird II'

� Just one of many export customers, Eritrea bought six MB.339s in March 1996.

� Six Argentine MB.339A fighter trainers were used as warplanes against the British in the 1982 Falklands War.

� The MB.339K is a single-seat version designed exclusively for light attack.

� Operators of the MB.339 include Dubai, Ghana, Malaysia, Nigeria and Peru.

3-View

A three-view drawing (752 x 1282)

Specification

MODEL	MB.339
CREW	1-2
ENGINE	1 x Rolls-Royce Viper 632-43 turbojet, 1814kg
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight	5895 kg	12996 lb
Loaded weight	3215 kg	7088 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan	10.86 m	36 ft 8 in
Length	10.97 m	36 ft 0 in
Height	3.99 m	13 ft 1 in
Wing area	19.30 m²	207.74 sq ft
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed	971 km/h	603 mph
Ceiling	14630 m	48000 ft
Range	1760 km	1094 miles
Range w/max.fuel	2110 km	1311 miles
ARMAMENT	up to 1800kg of weapons

Comments

Paul Scott, e-mail, 23.05.2013 13:26

Neat little underrated aeroplane from the Italian avaiation industry.

Vern Sanders, e-mail, 10.05.2011 23:35

This A /C has been superseded by the M346 which is a much improved version of a Russian design purchased by AerMacchi S.p.A and extensively redesigned at their facility in Venegono Superiore near Varese, Italy

Kristine Zamarin, e-mail, 16.10.2010 01:17

All very interesting since my name is Christine Macchi and my father was Luigi Macchi born in La Salle, Illinois. Just wanted to see if there was any stock to be had in this company. Just curious since my maiden name is Macchi.

Thanks you Christine Macchi

alan macchi, e-mail, 02.06.2020

Kristine Zamarin

How have you been? I have not seen you in 50 years. Al

Dave DiMarchi, e-mail, 16.08.2008 19:23
I flew the MB-339 in both contact and formation in the '88-'90 time frame. A fine, capable trainer and light attack aircraft. Fun and forgiving. Dated avionics - typical for its age.
reply

lxbfYeaa, e-mail, 14.03.2024

Dave DiMarchi

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