Aermacchi M.B.339

MB-339
	An MB-339CD of the Italian Air Force
Role	Advanced trainer and light attack aircraft
Manufacturer	Alenia Aermacchi
First flight	12 August 1976
Introduction	1979
Status	Active in production
Primary users	Italian Air Force; Royal Malaysian Air Force; Eritrean Air Force; United Arab Emirates Air Force
Produced	1978–present
Number built	230
Unit cost	$8.3 million
Developed from	Aermacchi MB-326

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.

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)

Data	Units
Production time	1973-1985
Manufacturer	Alenia Aermacchi
Wingspan	12,20 m
Length	10,90 m
Hight	3,90 m
Wing area	19,30 m²
Weight (empty)	3.125 kg
Max takeoff weight	5.900 kg
Passengers	-
Crew	2
Speed	898 km/h
Service ceiling	14.630 m
Range	2110 km
Powerplant	1*Rolls Royce Viper 632-43
Weapons	1800 kg rockets or bombs