Aermacchi MB.326
Italy (1962)
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aermacchi MB.326 Advanced Trainer / Light Ground Attack Aircraft.
Entry last updated on 4/11/2018; Authored by Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com Aermacchi MB.326
The light attack Aermacchi MB.326 series was also made available in a popular twin-seat operational trainer.
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.
Any available statistics for the Aermacchi MB.326 Advanced Trainer / Light Ground Attack Aircraft are showcased in the areas immediately below. Categories include basic specifications covering country-of-origin, operational status, manufacture(s) and total quantitative production. Other qualities showcased are related to structural values (namely dimensions), installed power and standard day performance figures, installed or proposed armament and mission equipment (if any), global users (from A-to-Z) and series model variants (if any).
Aermacchi MB.326K Specifications
Italy
Year: 1962
Status: Active, Limited Service
Type: Advanced Trainer / Light Ground Attack Aircraft
Manufacturer(s): Aermacchi - Italy
Production: 761
Supported Mission Types
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Crew: 1
Length: 35.01 ft (10.67 m)
Width: 35.60 ft (10.85 m)
Height: 12.20 ft (3.72 m)
Empty Weight: 6,535 lb (2,964 kg)
MTOW: 12,996 lb (5,895 kg)
Installed Power
1 x Rolls-Royce Viper 632-42 turbojet engine developing 4,000lb of thrust.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Speed: 553 mph (890 kph; 481 kts)
Maximum Range: 677 mi (1,090 km; 589 nm)
Service Ceiling: 41,010 ft (12,500 m; 7.77 mi)
Rate-of-Climb: 6,500 ft/min (1,981 m/min)
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
Operators List
Italy; Argentina; Australia; Dubai; Ghana; South Africa; Tunisia; Zaire; Zambia
Series Model Variants
• 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.
Supported Weapon Systems
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