Aermacchi MB-326 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Role | Advanced trainer/Light attack |
| First flight | 10 December 1957 |
| Built | 800 |
The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 is a light military jet trainer designed in Italy. Originally conceived as a two-seat trainer, there have also been single and two-seat light attack versions produced. It is one of the most commercially successful aircraft of its type, being bought by more than 10 countries and produced under licence in Australia, Brazil and South Africa. It set many category records, including an altitude record of 56,807 ft (17,315 m) on 18 March 1966. More than 800 MB-326s were constructed between 1961–1975.
Source: Aermacchi MB-326 on Wikipedia
| Embraer AT-26 Xavante Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Gino Marcomini |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 54 |
See also:
The Aermacchi MB-326 was a highly successful Italian light jet developed by Ermanno Bazzocchi. It pioneered the concept of a single aircraft capable of handling both ab initio (beginner) and advanced jet training, and was widely exported globally.
Design and Service Overview
- Role: Basic/Advanced Jet Trainer and Light Attack/Close Air Support.
- First Flight: 10 December 1957.
- Manufacturer: Aermacchi (now Alenia Aermacchi).
- Production Total: Over 800 built, including license production.
- Key Export Customers: Brazil (as AT-26 Xavante), South Africa (as Impala Mk I/II), and Australia (as CA-30).
- Record: Set multiple world records for speed, climb, and altitude in its class.
Performance & General Characteristics (MB-326G Variant)
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 (Student and Instructor) in tandem seating |
| Length | 10.65 m (34 ft 11 in) |
| Wingspan | 10.56 m (34 ft 8 in) |
| Engine | 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper Mk 20-540 Non-afterburning Turbojet |
| Thrust | 15.17 kN (3,410 lbf) |
| Max Speed (Vne) | 806 km/h (501 mph) or Mach 0.82 |
| Service Ceiling | 14,300 m (47,000 ft) |
Attack Capability
Later versions, particularly the two-seat MB-326G and the single-seat MB-326K (Impala Mk II), were heavily reinforced for the light attack role:
- Hardpoints: Up to 6 underwing pylons.
- Max External Load: Up to 1,815 kg (4,000 lb).
- Typical Ordnance: Gun pods, unguided rockets, bombs, and air-to-air missiles (e.g., AIM-9 Sidewinder).
- Fixed Armament (MB-326K): 2 × 30 mm DEFA cannons (or equivalent).
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