Aermacchi MB-339
The Aermacchi MB-339 is an Italian tandem-seat jet trainer that first flew in 1976, reusing the wing and much of the structure of the earlier MB-326 while raising the rear instructor's seat for a clear view over the nose. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet, it trains pilots and, in armed versions, serves as a light attack aircraft; Argentina's navy flew it in ground attack during the 1982 Falklands War. Italy's Frecce Tricolori display team has flown the MB-339PAN since 1982, making its red, white and green smoke trails one of European airshows' most recognisable sights.
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Did you know?
The Italian trainer of the Frecce Tricolori: tandem seating with the instructor raised over the nose, trailing red, white and green smoke at airshows.
Specifications
| Length | 11.2 m (37 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.2 m (37 ft) |
| Height | 3.9 m (13 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 6.3 t |
| Range | 730 NM (1,352 km) |
| Service ceiling | 46,000 ft (14,021 m) |
| Rate of climb | 6,600 ft/min (33.5 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 540 m (1,772 ft) |
| Landing distance | 470 m (1,542 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,100 l |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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