Aermacchi MB-339
The Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft is build by Alenia Aermacchi.
The Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 is an Italian Military AJT. The MB-339 is an all-metal construction and shares much of the MB-326 airframe design. It has a low, un-swept wing with tip tanks and jet intakes in the roots. The most significant revision was a redesign of the forward fuselage to raise the instructor`s seat to allow visibility over and past the student pilot`s head. The first flight took place on 12 August 1976 and deliveries to the Italian Air Force commenced in 1979.
MB-339 A is equipped with a Viper 632 engine, is in service with seven air forces in basic and advanced training and close air support roles.
MB-339 B is fitted with the more powerful Viper 680 Rolls-Royce engine and higher capacity tip tanks.
MB-339 C also powered by the Viper 680 engine, is fitted with an enhanced avionics fit. The aircraft has been in full service since 1991 and its configuration includes: head-up display (HUD) in both cockpits; a monochromatic multifunction display (MFD); hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control; NAV computer; weapon-aiming computer; inertial platform; stores management system and radar warning receiver.
MB-339 CD advanced fighter trainer, also powered by the Viper 680 engine, covers weapon system management in a high-performance, high-manoeuvrability aircraft, meeting the requirement for a low-cost aircraft to train Tornado crews and Eurofighter pilots. It is a full digital trainer is equipped with a new avionics suite connected by a MIL-STD-1553B dual redundant data bus. Full control and display duplication in the rear cockpit provides effective system operator training. The first flight of the aircraft was in 1996. MB-339CD is one of the most successful aircraft of the company`s training aircraft family.
Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CD Countermeasures
The MB-339CD is equipped with an electronic warfare suite including an Elettronica ELT-156 radar warning receiver, BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) AN/ALE-40 chaff and flares dispensing system and Elettronica ELT-555 active electronic countermeasures (ECM) deception pod.
Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CD Avionics
The avionics suite is connected by a MIL-STD-1553B dual-redundant data bus. There is three MFD (multifunctional displays with combined digital map display) in both the front and rear cockpits with embedded training software to simulate complex operational scenarios. The main avionics systems are: mission processor; inertial reference system with Honeywell H-764 laser gyro platform and embedded global positioning system (GPS); radio navigation systems; air data computer; VOR, VDO, Head-Up Display (HUD) and Sextant Avionique multifunction displays; radar altimeter; laser rangefinder; data recording and transfer system. Mission equipment can include third-generation night-vision goggle compatibility, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting pod, ACMI training system, embedded training and multiple video recording.
Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CDII (Batch 2 Upgrade)
The aircraft will be brought up to the new Batch 2 standard, featuring new avionics capabilities such as upgraded embedded simulation, digital maps, night vision goggle-compatibility, and new radio and identification friend or foe (IFF) systems.
The Batch 2 version will also incorporate a new autonomous air combat manoeuvring instrumentation (AACMI) pod as well as new flight safety equipment such as a crash data recorder and an emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
Updated On: 18.10.15