Overview
The light attack Aermacchi MB.326 series was also made available in a popular twin-seat operational trainer.
The light attack Aermacchi MB.326 series was also made available in a popular twin-seat operational trainer.
YEAR: 1962
STATUS: Active, Limited Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Aermacchi - Italy
PRODUCTION: 761
OPERATORS: Italy; Argentina; Australia; Dubai; Ghana; South Africa; Tunisia; Zaire; Zambia
Technical Specifications
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Aermacchi MB.326K model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Aermacchi MB.326K model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
POWER: 1 x Rolls-Royce Viper 632-42 turbojet engine developing 4,000lb of thrust.
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Armament
STANDARD:
2 x 30mm internal cannons
OPTIONAL:
Maximum external ordnance load of up to 4,000lb of bombs, rockets and missiles. Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:
Drop Bombs
AS.12 wire-guided air-to-surface missiles
Matra R550 Magic air-to-air missiles
Unguided Rockets
Additional Cannon Pods
Reconnaissance Pods
STANDARD:
2 x 30mm internal cannons
OPTIONAL:
Maximum external ordnance load of up to 4,000lb of bombs, rockets and missiles. Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:
Drop Bombs
AS.12 wire-guided air-to-surface missiles
Matra R550 Magic air-to-air missiles
Unguided Rockets
Additional Cannon Pods
Reconnaissance Pods
Variants / Models
• MB.326 - Base Series Production Model Designation
• MB.326A - Armed Variant never ordered; six underwing hardpoints.
• MB.326B - Tunisian Export Model Designation
• MB.326D - Unarmed Variant purchased by Alitalia.
• MB.326E - Viper 11-powered variant for Italian purchase.
• MB.326F - Ghana Export Variant
• MB.326G - Fitted with more powerful Viper 20 Mk.540 powerplant; internal strengthening; increased weapons load.
• MB.326GC
• MB.326H - Australian Export Variant produced in-country by CAC; retired from service in 2001.
• MB.326K - Single-Seat Light Attack Aircraft; based on the MB.326K model with strengthened airframe and improved power from the Viper 20 powerplant; increased avionics equipment and fuel over the two-seat trainer variant; implementation of 2 x 30mm DEFA cannons.
• MB.326KD - Dubai Export Model Designation
• MB.326KB - Zaire Export Model Designation
• MB.326KG - Ghana Export Model Designation
• MB.326KM - South African Export Model Designation
• MB.326KT - Tunisian Export Model Designation
• Impala Mk 1 - Atlas-produced South African model.
• Impala Mk 2 - Atlas-produced South African model.
• MB.339 - Upgraded Successor of the MB.326 system series.
• EMB-326 "Xavante" - Embraer license-built MB.326GC model.
• MB.326L - Final two-seat variant production model.
• MB.326 - Base Series Production Model Designation
• MB.326A - Armed Variant never ordered; six underwing hardpoints.
• MB.326B - Tunisian Export Model Designation
• MB.326D - Unarmed Variant purchased by Alitalia.
• MB.326E - Viper 11-powered variant for Italian purchase.
• MB.326F - Ghana Export Variant
• MB.326G - Fitted with more powerful Viper 20 Mk.540 powerplant; internal strengthening; increased weapons load.
• MB.326GC
• MB.326H - Australian Export Variant produced in-country by CAC; retired from service in 2001.
• MB.326K - Single-Seat Light Attack Aircraft; based on the MB.326K model with strengthened airframe and improved power from the Viper 20 powerplant; increased avionics equipment and fuel over the two-seat trainer variant; implementation of 2 x 30mm DEFA cannons.
• MB.326KD - Dubai Export Model Designation
• MB.326KB - Zaire Export Model Designation
• MB.326KG - Ghana Export Model Designation
• MB.326KM - South African Export Model Designation
• MB.326KT - Tunisian Export Model Designation
• Impala Mk 1 - Atlas-produced South African model.
• Impala Mk 2 - Atlas-produced South African model.
• MB.339 - Upgraded Successor of the MB.326 system series.
• EMB-326 "Xavante" - Embraer license-built MB.326GC model.
• MB.326L - Final two-seat variant production model.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aermacchi MB.326 Advanced Trainer / Light Ground Attack Aircraft. Entry last updated on 5/13/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aermacchi MB.326 Advanced Trainer / Light Ground Attack Aircraft. Entry last updated on 5/13/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The Aermacchi MB.326 series of aircraft has become one of the most successful blends of operational trainer and light attack capabilities. Developed during the Cold War in 1957, the Aermacchi-produced two-seat trainer was already being designed with frontline light strike duty in mind. As the trainer went into production and service, the results were impressive enough to warrant the development of the single seat K model.
The MB.326K (or MB-326K) was a single-seat, single-engine derivative of the twin seat trainer brand. The removal of the instructor's seating position at rear allowed for increased stowage for more avionics systems and more fuel stores. The additional of twin 30mm DEFA cannons was also introduced with the K model to compliment the already existing and impressive 6-hardpoint configuration.
Finding some success in the export market, the system was also produced under license by Atlas for South Africa. Equally effective as a trainer or light strike aircraft, the Aermacchi MB.326 series made a name for itself in either role. It was succeeded by the upgraded Aermacchi MB.339 series of aircraft.
Incidentaly, the "B" prefix in the designation is derived from its designer - Doctor Ing Ermano Bazzochi.
The MB.326K (or MB-326K) was a single-seat, single-engine derivative of the twin seat trainer brand. The removal of the instructor's seating position at rear allowed for increased stowage for more avionics systems and more fuel stores. The additional of twin 30mm DEFA cannons was also introduced with the K model to compliment the already existing and impressive 6-hardpoint configuration.
Finding some success in the export market, the system was also produced under license by Atlas for South Africa. Equally effective as a trainer or light strike aircraft, the Aermacchi MB.326 series made a name for itself in either role. It was succeeded by the upgraded Aermacchi MB.339 series of aircraft.
Incidentaly, the "B" prefix in the designation is derived from its designer - Doctor Ing Ermano Bazzochi.
Media
General Assessment
Firepower
Performance
Survivability
Versatility
Impact
Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.
MF Power Rating
36
The MF Power Rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry. The rating is out of 100 total possible points.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (553mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
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Graph showcases the Aermacchi MB.326K's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (761)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
761
761
Altitude Visualization
