What Is The Aermacchi MB-339?
The Aermacchi MB-339. Italian military jet trainer and light attack aircraft known for extreme manoeuvrability in precision flying.
Italy
Origin
Trainer
Role
898 km/h
Top speed
14,630 m
Service ceiling
Aermacchi MB-339 Specifications
The Aermacchi MB-339 is an Italian military jet trainer and light attack jet built for advanced pilot instruction. Featuring a Viper turbojet achieving 558 mph and an impressive 48,000 ft service ceiling, it powers the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic display team with high roll manoeuvrability.
Performance
Top speed
558 mph (898 km/h)
Service ceiling
48,000 ft (14,630 m)
Combat radius
210 nmi (390 km)
Rate of climb
6,500 ft/min (33 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
2
Length
36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
Wingspan
35 ft 8 in (10.86 m)
Empty weight
6,888 lbs (3,125 kg)
Engine
1x Rolls-Royce Viper Mk 632 turbojet
Service
First flight
12 August 1976
Unit cost
$8.5 million
Operators
Italy, Argentina, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates
What Weapons Does The Aermacchi MB-339 Carry?
The Aermacchi MB-339 features six underwing hardpoints carrying 4,000 lbs of payload, deploying 30mm DEFA gun pods, unguided rocket pods, conventional iron bombs, and AGM-65 Maverick anti-armour missiles.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
DEFA 553
Category
30 mm Cannon Pod
Loadout
Up to 2 pods
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
18 km (11 miles)
Marte Mk 2
Category
Anti-Ship Missile
Loadout
1 missile (MB-339C)
Range
25 km (15.5 miles)
LAU-68 Rocket Pod
Category
70 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 6 pods
Range
3 km (1.9 miles)
Mark 82
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 4 bombs
Range
Gravity released
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Aermacchi MB-339?
The MB-339 reaches Mach 0.82, around 558 mph, on a single Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet. Its performance sits between basic trainers like the S-211 and advanced types like the Hawk, and its handling is well regarded enough that the Frecce Tricolori have flown it since 1982.
How Was The Aermacchi MB-339 Developed?
Aermacchi developed the MB-339 from the successful MB-326, raising the rear seat for better instructor visibility and fitting a more powerful Viper engine. The prototype flew on 12 August 1976. Later variants added digital avionics and combat systems, culminating in the MB-339CD.
Has The Aermacchi MB-339 Seen Combat?
Argentine Navy MB-339s flew strike missions during the 1982 Falklands War, attacking British ships at San Carlos. One was shot down by a Sea Dart missile. Eritrean and Peruvian examples have also seen operational use.
Who Operates The Aermacchi MB-339?
Italy, Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Nigeria, Ghana and the UAE have operated the MB-339. Italy has begun replacing it with the M-346, though the Frecce Tricolori continued flying it well into the 2020s.
Aermacchi MB-339 FAQs
Common questions about the Aermacchi MB-339, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Aermacchi MB-339 as a civilian?
No, the Aermacchi MB-339 is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Aermacchi MB-339?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Aermacchi MB-339, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Aermacchi MB-339 cost?
The Aermacchi MB-339 is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the Aermacchi MB-339?
The Aermacchi MB-339 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Aermacchi MB-339?
The Aermacchi MB-339 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Aermacchi MB-339?
The Aermacchi MB-339 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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