Aermacchi MB-326K

Summary

Description

The MB-326 was developed during a period when "all-through" jet training was considered cost-effective for military pilot training. Aermacchi designed it as a single aircraft type for elementary and advanced training. Proposed in the 1950s, the Italian Air Force (AMI) contracted for three prototypes after a competition. Refinements were made before the AMI approved the project in 1956. The first prototype flew on 10 December 1957. On 15 December 1958, the Italian government ordered 15 pre-series aircraft, with further orders following. While conceived as a two-seat trainer, single and two-seat light attack versions were developed. Over 800 MB-326s were built between 1961 and 1975, including licensed production by Embraer in Brazil and Atlas Aircraft Corporation in South Africa.

The Aermacchi MB-326 was designed as a low-wing monoplane with an all-metal structure composed of light alloys. Intended as both an ab initio and advanced trainer, the aircraft offered a wide range of performance characteristics suitable for both elementary and advanced instruction, along with a high rate of utilization and minimized servicing requirements. It was designed for ease of flight, incorporating safety features such as Martin-Baker-built ejection seats. Powered by a single Rolls-Royce Viper non-afterburning turbojet engine, initially the Viper 11 model producing 2,500 lb of thrust, the engine was noted for its simplicity, robustness, low RPM and TET, rapid acceleration, ease of installation, and tolerance to mishandling by students, with air supplied via low-profile intakes in the wing roots. Structurally straightforward, the MB-326 featured a fuselage and wing constructed in three sections, with the wing's center section integral to the fuselage. The rear of each wing had flaps and ailerons with a trim surface. Wing fences were added mid-wing to increase lift. The aircraft was capable of relatively slow-speed take-off and landing while retaining an excellent rate of climb. The tandem cockpit configuration provided excellent external visibility via a bubble canopy and incorporated a windscreen anti-icing system and cockpit pressurization. The onboard systems were easily accessible and removable, with many elements intentionally interchangeable. The exterior featured 80 inspection panels and doors, and in-situ engine inspection was possible through access panels above and below the engine bay.

For combat roles, the MB-326 was designed to accommodate a range of optional armaments, utilizing six hardpoints to carry a total external load of up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg). These hardpoints could be equipped with various combinations of weaponry, including gun pods, rockets, missiles, and bombs. Although some variants featured optional 7.7 mm machine guns in the forward fuselage, the primary armament typically consisted of pylon-mounted rockets or rocket pods, such as four 6 kg or 7.5 kg rockets, or various other rocket pod configurations. For air-to-surface capabilities, the aircraft could carry two Nord AS.12 missiles. For conventional bombing missions, it was capable of carrying four 15 kg or 45 kg bombs. Some Impala Mk IIs of the South African Air Force were equipped with two 30 mm autocannon, while others could carry a pair of 30 mm DEFA guns in under-wing pods.

The MB-326 saw operational use across several continents and diverse military forces. Impalas, license-produced MB-326Ms, were notably employed by the South African Defence Force during the South African Border War against the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and Cuban expeditionary troops in Angola between 1975 and 1989. The aircraft's ability to operate from primitive airfields and deliver swift strikes compensated for its slower speed compared to supersonic jets. Operating at low altitudes to evade Angolan air defenses, Impala pilots achieved aerial victories against helicopters. Argentina deployed MB-326 aircraft during the 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands, though they remained on the mainland while MB-339s were sent to the islands. The MB-326 was also used as a front-line combat aircraft in various Third World regional conflicts.

Main Variants:

• MB-326: This was the initial production version, serving as a two-seat training aircraft for the Italian Air Force.

• MB-326B: This variant was a two-seat jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed for Tunisia, equipped with weapons capabilities.

• MB-326D: This version was a specialized, unarmed two-seat jet trainer tailored for Alitalia, the Italian national flag carrier, to train its pilots.

• MB-326G: This was a two-seat jet trainer and ground-attack aircraft, with enhanced capabilities for combat roles.

• MB-326H: Specifically built for the Royal Australian Air Force, this two-seat jet trainer featured improved avionics and was also utilized by the Royal Australian Navy.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Togo	6

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

United Arab Emirates • Argentina • Australia • Brazil • Cameroon • Congo Democratic Republic • Ghana • Italy • Paraguay • Togo • South Africa • Zambia