Aermacchi MB-339

Also known as

Aermacchi MB.339
MB.339

The Aermacchi MB-339 is an Italian advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Aermacchi as a successor to the MB-326. Built entirely in Italy, it also served as the MB.339 PAN display aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori and saw combat use with Argentine Naval Aviation in the 1982 Falklands War and the Eritrean Air Force during the 1998 Eritrean-Ethiopian War.

Aermacchi MB-339, Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Image source: MB339 - RIAT 2008 (2674540983).jpg

Role in Conflicts

Side: Argentina
Role in conflict: Light attack aircraft

Argentine Naval Aviation used the MB-339A as a light attack aircraft during the 1982 1982 Falklands War.

Side: Documented operators
Role in conflict: Attack aircraft

Operational history identifies Eritrean Air Force MB-339CEs as combat aircraft used during the 1998 Eritrean-Ethiopian War of 1998-2000.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Italy
Built by: Aermacchi
Type: Advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft
Designer: Aermacchi
Designed: 1972-1976
Produced: 1978-2006
Number built: 230

Specifications

Crew: 1-2 pilots
Powerplant: 1 Rolls-Royce Viper Mk.632 turbojet, 17.8 kN
Maximum speed: 900 km/h
Range: 1,700 km
Length: 10.97 m
Wingspan: 10.85 m
Armament: Up to 2,040 kg of external stores, including AIM-9L Sidewinders, gun pods, cannon pods, bombs, rockets, and auxiliary tanks

Variants

MB-339A
MB-339PAN
MB-339CD
MB-339CE

Carried Munitions

Forecast International's MB.339 Series entry links the MB-339CD to the Marte II anti-ship missile. Jane's lists air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles among the MB-339's external-store options.

Carried item	Item type	Carriage evidence
Marte Mk.2 anti-ship missile	Anti-ship missile	Forecast International says the MB-339CD was qualified to launch the Oto Melara Marte II anti-ship missile. Sources: Aermacchi MB.339 Series
AIM-9 Sidewinder missile	Short-range air-to-air missile	Jane's lists the MB-339 as able to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on its outer stations, and FlightGlobal reported an MB-339 test campaign that launched AIM-9L Sidewinders. Sources: AERMACCHI MB-339 - All the World's Aircraft, MB-339 trainer launches first Sidewinders - FlightGlobal
AGM-65 Maverick	Air-to-surface guided missile	Jane's lists RNZAF MB-339 aircraft as fitted for AGM-65 Maverick carriage. Sources: AERMACCHI MB-339 - All the World's Aircraft
Matra Magic II missile	Short-range infrared-homing air-to-air missile	Jane's lists two Magic air-to-air missiles as a carried option for the MB-339. Sources: AERMACCHI MB-339 - All the World's Aircraft

Timeline

Aermacchi MB-339 Key Events

Aug 12, 1976
First flight
The MB-339 prototype flew for the first time on 12 August 1976.
Sources: Aermacchi MB-339 - Wikipedia
Apr 27, 1982
MB.339 PAN joins the Frecce Tricolori
The MB.339 PAN replaced the Fiat G.91R in service with the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team.
Sources: MB.339 PAN adopted by Frecce Tricolori
May 21, 1982
1982 Falklands War attack sortie
Lieutenant Owen Crippa used an MB-339A on a reconnaissance and attack sortie against the Royal Navy amphibious force.
Sources: Aermacchi MB-339 - Wikipedia (Falklands use)
Jun 5, 1998
Eritrean combat use
Eritrean MB-339FDs and MB-339CEs were employed during the opening fighting of the 1998 Eritrean-Ethiopian War.
Sources: Aermacchi MB-339 - Wikipedia (Eritrean use)