Aermacchi MB.339
Italy (1978)
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aermacchi MB.339 Advanced Trainer / Light Attack Aircraft.
Entry last updated on 4/11/2018; Authored by Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com Aermacchi MB.339
The Aermacchi MB.339 series replaced the Aermacchi MB.326 and Fiat G.91T trainers and light strike aircraft.
The Aermacchi MB.339 was the successor to the Aermacchi MB.326 in the advanced trainer and light strike role. This twin-seat trainer proved equally adept at its given roles and also went on to replace the aged Fiat G.91T trainer and close-support aircraft in service with the Italian Air Force. As with the MB.326, the newer MB.339 saw moderate export success around the globe with Australia, Argentina, Eritrea, Ghana, Italy, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru and the UAE. After recording its first flight as a prototype (two completed as "MB.339X") on August 12th, 1976, the MB.339 was formally introduced in 1979 with production ongoing as of this writing (2012). At least 213 have been produced to date.
Compared to the MB.326 before it, the MB.339 featured an all-new redesigned nose assembly. The twin-seat arrangement was also modified to extend the view of the rear-seat instructor's/co-pilot's position while the single Piaggio (Rolls-Royce) Viper Mk 621 turbojet powerplant increased performance. Wingtip tanks were enlarged but were more or less retained from the earlier MB.326 models as were the 6 x external underwing hardpoints and 2 x DEFA 30mm internal cannons.
Overall design was highly conventional for an aircraft of this class. This included a short nose cone, low-set straight wing assemblies and a traditional single-fin rudder and applicable tailplanes. The undercarriage was of the three-wheeled tricycle arrangement, fully retractable. An in-flight refueling probe was offset to the right side of the cockpit to help extend the MB.339's operational range to an extent.
Compared to the MB.326 before it, the MB.339 featured an all-new redesigned nose assembly. The twin-seat arrangement was also modified to extend the view of the rear-seat instructor's/co-pilot's position while the single Piaggio (Rolls-Royce) Viper Mk 621 turbojet powerplant increased performance. Wingtip tanks were enlarged but were more or less retained from the earlier MB.326 models as were the 6 x external underwing hardpoints and 2 x DEFA 30mm internal cannons.
Overall design was highly conventional for an aircraft of this class. This included a short nose cone, low-set straight wing assemblies and a traditional single-fin rudder and applicable tailplanes. The undercarriage was of the three-wheeled tricycle arrangement, fully retractable. An in-flight refueling probe was offset to the right side of the cockpit to help extend the MB.339's operational range to an extent.
Picture of the Aermacchi MB.339 Advanced Trainer / Light Attack Aircraft
The MB.339A model series was the most numerous production model (107 examples across three production batches) while the "C" model added further improvements including an uprated engine, onboard laser rangefinder (in the nose) and provision for guided/homing missile firing. The "CD" model benefitted more with HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick), HUDs (Head-Up Display) and three LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens. The MB.339K and MB.339 T-Bird II were proposed variants - the former intended as a single-seat attack plane and the latter as a Lockheed proposal to the US JPATS competition.
The MB.339 has since proven an effective trainer and light strike aircraft. Eritrea has utilized its MB.339s in anger against neighboring Ethiopia in a February 1999 attack on an Ethiopian Army fuel depot at Adigrat.
Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand and the UAE no longer operate their MB.339s.
The MB.339 has since proven an effective trainer and light strike aircraft. Eritrea has utilized its MB.339s in anger against neighboring Ethiopia in a February 1999 attack on an Ethiopian Army fuel depot at Adigrat.
Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand and the UAE no longer operate their MB.339s.
Aermacchi MB.339K Specifications
Italy
Year: 1978
Status: Active, In-Service
Type: Advanced Trainer / Light Attack Aircraft
Manufacturer(s): Aermacchi - Italy
Production: 213
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: 2
Length: 36.88 ft (11.24 m)
Width: 36.81 ft (11.22 m)
Height: 13.09 ft (3.99 m)
Empty Weight: 6,889 lb (3,125 kg)
MTOW: 13,999 lb (6,350 kg)
Installed Power
1 x Piaggio RR Viper 680-43 turbojet engine developing 4,450lb of thrust.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Speed: 506 mph (815 kph; 440 kts)
Maximum Range: 231 mi (371 km; 200 nm)
Service Ceiling: 46,719 ft (14,240 m; 8.85 mi)
Rate-of-Climb: 6,595 ft/min (2,010 m/min)
Armament
STANDARD:
2 x 30mm internal cannons
OPTIONAL:
External hardpoints for mission-specific ordnance may include the following:
Conventional Drop Bombs
Unguided Rocket Pods
Cannon Pods
Matre anti-ship missiles
Magic air-to-air missiles
Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Maverick air-to-ground missiles
Vinten Reconnaissance Pod
Operators List
Australia; Argentina; Eritrea; Ghana; Italy; Malaysia; Nigeria; Peru; United Arab Emirates
Series Model Variants
• MB.339A - Base Two-Seat Model
• MB.339C - Improved MB.339 Light Attack Lead-In Functionality; advanced navigation and targeting capabilities; uprated powerplant; laser range finder in elongated nose cone; increased wing tip fuel tanks.
• MB.339CD - Powered by the Viper 632; digital cockpit with three LCD displays; HUD and HOTAS controls.
• MB.339CE - Eritrean Export Model based on the MB.339CD.
• MB.339FD - Export Production Model fitted with Viper 680 powerplant with MB.339CD improvements.
• MB.339K "Veltro 2" - Prototype Single-Seat Variant.
Supported Weapon Systems
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