Aermacchi MB-326

The Aermacchi MB 326 is a plane of advanced drive and tactical support designed in Italy in the years 1950. It met an unquestionable success since it was used by about fifteen different and produced country with 750 specimens, of which a part under license in Australia, in South Africa like to the Brésil.

Design

It is into 1953 that the research department Macchi of Varese, under the direction of engineer Ermanno Bazzocchi, began the study of a two-seat trainer to reaction able to ensure of the missions of tactical support. The apparatus proposed with the FRIENDLY was a metal monoplane with low wing cantilever whose leading edge showed a light arrow while the trailing edge was without arrow. Air the intakes of the engine, a Bristol-board Siddeley Viper , were assembled in the root of the wing which was capped by the fuel tanks. The drift was in light arrow while the stabilizer assigned a form in similar plan to that of the wing. The unit rested on a retractable three-wheeled train and the pilot and the instructor had sat on ejector seats assembled out of tandem in a cockpit pressurized under a long canopy articulated on the right. The stress was laid on the facility of piloting and an easy maintenance. The project having found a positive feedback near the soldiers, two prototypes and a cell of static tests were ordered, the future apparatus receiving designation MB-326 (for Macchi-Bazzocchi of course).

The first prototype accomplished its first flight on December 10th, 1957 controlled by Guido Carestiato , chief-pilot of tests of the manufacturer. Equip with a Bristol Siddeley Viper 8 of 795 kgp, it under-was clearly motorized. The second specimen thus took the air on September 22nd, 1958 with a Viper 11 developing 1135 kgp. In December 1958 the FRIENDLY placed order of a preproduction of 15 specimens.

April 22nd, 1959 the first prototype was victim of an accident whereas it carried out a demonstration in Egypt, killing its pilot, Nicola Macchia . A few weeks later the second apparatus was presented to the Paris airshow where it carried out an impressive presentation. The first apparatus of preproduction took the air on October 5th, 1960. The evaluations confirmed that the MB-326, quickly called “Macchino” (the machine) in the FRIENDLY , was a robust apparatus, pleasant to control, handy and powerful. It granted several speed records quickly, of rise and altitude in its category.

Alternatives

MB.326

Initial version, it is an aircraft of advanced drive and conversion on engine not armed intended for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana. 118 MB-326 were delivered to the FRIENDLY on 135 ordered specimens, the first specimens entering in service in February 1962. 1 specimen was taken to develop the version MB-326B , 4 were used as prototypes MB-326G and MB-326K for the South Africa, 12 were finished like MB-326E .

MB-326A

Certain sources allot this designation to the 15 apparatuses of preproduction. Actually it covers an armed version intended for the drive with the shooting and the bombardment which was proposed in vain with the FRIENDLY .

MB-326B

Continuing its idea of a version armed with MB-326 , Macchi took a MB-326 series which was equipped with a sight of shooting and 6 pylons under aerofoil to carry up to 900 kg of external loads, an armament fixes made up of 2 machine-guns Browning of 12,7 mm being considered. After evaluation by the FRIENDLY the `prototype' was given to the standard, but it was at the origin of several versions of export. Since 1965 the Tunisia passed ordered of 8 MB-326B for the missions of drive and tactical support.

MB-326C

It is to facilitate the drive of the crews of Lockheed F-104G that was studied this version, the front point with radar NASARR and the avionics of the Starfighter being assembled on a MB-326B which was to receive an engine Viper 20 more powerful. An aerodynamic prototype was constructed by modification of a MB-326 given thereafter to the standard. The FRIENDLY finally preferred to order TF-104G.

MB-326D

4 not armed apparatuses of drive were ordered by the airline company Alitalia in order to train the pilots of its future airliners with reaction. Equipped with a civil avionics, the first specimen was delivered to spring 1963. Three of these apparatuses will thereafter be transferred to the FRIENDLY .

MB-326E

If the FRIENDLY refused to order a version armed with support of MB-326 in spite of the many efforts of Aermacchi, it obtained 12 apparatuses of drive to the shooting while making assemble on a fuselage of MB-326 a reinforced aerofoil of MB-326G . The cockpit received a sight, cinémitrailleuse and a slightly modified avionics. 12 apparatuses were thus produced as from 1968, that is to say six converted MB-326 54169,54180,54190 + 2 others and 6 specimens modified on chain. These aircraft were generally equipped with guns in pod under aerofoil.

MB-326F

In the tread of the Tunisia, the Ghana ordered in 1965 nine apparatuses of drive and tactical support similar to MB-326B but with more sophisticated avionics, reserves of end of wing increased and the possibility of receiving additional cans under aerofoil.

MB-326G

The appearance of the engine Viper 20-540 , developing 1545 kgp, made it possible to double the capacity of carrying in external loads. 2 prototypes of attack and two-seat trainer on the ground were thus produced by conversion of two MB-326 MM.54290/I-FAZE, the first taking the air on May 8th, 1967. The cell was of course reinforced, the modernized avionics and the air intakes widened to increase the flow of air towards the engine. These prototypes were then used to develop the engine Viper 632-43 intended for MB-326K .

MB-326GB

The Argentine was the first customer of MB-236G with 8 MB-326GB bought by the Navy in 1969. The same year the Zaire order 17 specimens (It seems that 15 apparatuses only were delivered), and in 1971 the Zambia obtains 23 machines.

MB-326GC Xavante

The main customers of MB-326G were the Brésil. In 1969 a delegation carried out by Dott Foresio , president of Aermacchi, and the engineer Bazzocchi went indeed to the Brésil to present MB-326G to it. It regained the Italy with an order for 36 MB-326GC which were delivered in 1971. Embraer was to then build under license 130 additional apparatuses. The Forca Aerea Brazileira indicated its MB-326GC AT-26 Xavante. Some planes produced by Embraer were modified on chain like reconnaissance aircraft with a pod receiving 4 film cameras Vinten, becoming RT-26 . With the beginning of the year 80 Embraer also sold 6 planes with the Togo and 9 with the Paraguay. They will be the last MB-326 to be left factory, the Brazilian chain closing in 1983. 11 AT-26 transferred to the Argentinian Navy after the Guerre from the Falklands by Embraer came from the surpluses of FAB.

MB-326H

The Australia was the last customer of MB-326B , provided the Italian two-seater is adapted to its specifications: particular avionics, adaptation to the external loads used by RAAF, engine Viper Mk 22.11 (even power which Viper 22 standard, but an auxiliary group of more powerful starting). 12 specimens were produced by Aermacchi, the deliveries beginning in 1967. The 18 following specimens were delivered in spare parts and were assembled locally by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, which was to then produce under license 67 CA.30. On these 97 planes 10 were delivered to the Royal Australian Navy, the balance being taken into account by RAAF. The accrobatic patrol of RAAF, The Casters , used MB-326H of December 1970 to 1989.

MB-326K

In front of the success gained by MB-326G Aermacchi decided to carry out a single-seat attack aircraft version on the ground with armor-plated cockpit and 2 guns of 30 mm installed under the fuselage. A new version of the engine Viper was developed especially, in collaboration between Rolls-Royce and FIAT, the Viper 632-43 , developing 1.815 kgp. The two last MB-326 of series and MM.54391/I-KMAK/I-IVAP were used like prototypes. The first accomplished its first flight on August 22nd, 1970 with an engine Viper 20-540 and Aden guns, the second began his in-flight tests in 1971 with the final engine and of guns DEFA-553 (125 shells per weapon). This version could carry 1815 kg of external loads, including the air-to-air missile Matra Magic, the aerofoil was of course reinforced.

MB-326K Impala II

The SAAF, which made a good use of its MB-326M Impala I against the guerilla Angolan, could not miss being interested in the MB-326K of which it ordered 100 specimens under designation Impala Mk II . 14 were built in Italy and 86 pennies license by Atlas Aircraft Corporation with engines Viper 20-540 , Atlas which cannot or not wishing to obtain a new license to build the engine.

MB-326KD

6 MB-326K bought in 1975 by the Emirate of Dubai.

MB-326KG

6 MB-326K sold with the Ghana in 1978.

MB-326KT

8 MB-326K ordered by the Tunisia in 1976.

MB-326KZ

6 MB-326K ordered by the Zaire.

MB-326L

Two-seater version of advanced drive of MB-326K , which seems to have preserved a Viper 20-540 .

MB-326LD

2 specimens for the Emirate of Dubai in 1975.

MB-326LT

5 specimens for the Tunisia in 1976.

MB-326M Impala I

At the end of 1965 Aermacchi obtained South Africa an order relating to a MB-326B equipped with a very sophisticated avionics, but especially with a capacity of carrying under wider aerofoil. This version received the local name of Atlas Impala Mk I . The factory of Varese produced 46 MB-326M , the deliveries beginning in 1966. After acquisition of a license Atlas Aircraft Corporation will build 105 additional specimens until 1975. This machine was the mounting of the patrol of aerobatics of SAAF, the Silver Falcons .

MB-326N

Project which will evolve/move in MB.339V.

MB-326RM

5 MB-326 of the FRIENDLY converted into electronic apparatuses of countermeasures.

Country users

South Africa

The 151 two-seaters Impala Mk I brought into service as from 1966 and the 100 single-seaters Impala Mk II which followed equipped 6 units with Strike Command: No 4,5,6,7,8 and 40 Sqdn. No 83 JFS used only of Mk I and No 85 CFS a mixed equipment of Mk I and Mk II. Mk II égélement was égélement used by the patrol of stunt-flying of SAAF, the Silver Falcons . At the beginning of 2001 it remained nothing any more but 48 planes in service in schools, the last specimen being withdrawn on January 30th, 2005 during an official ceremony with Hoedspruit (No 85 CFS). About fifteen Impala I/II were sold on the civil market and the Brésil became purchaser into 2006 of 22 apparatuses with an option on additional specimens.

Argentina

In 1986 the 1a Escuadrilla Aeronaval of Ataque, Escuadra Aeronaval 4, stationed with Punto Indio, does not lay out any more that of 2 MB-326GB on the 8 delivered by Aermacchi, but 12 AT.16 Xavante of the Brazilian surpluses was delivered in 1983.

Australia

In the beginning MB-326H were distributed between No 1 FTS of East Sale, Victoria, No 2 TFS of Pearce, in Western Australia and the VC724 (Royal Australian Navy) with Nowra. The base of Williamtown lodged No 5OTU, No 2OCU and 77 Sqdn, all equipped very briefly with MB-326H . Some specimens were also assigned to Aircraft Research and development Unit ( DIFFICULT ) of Edinburgh, Southern Australia. The air patrol of the Roulettes was lodged by No 1TFS. In 1986 forty apparatuses, having done everything the object of reinforcements of structure, were still in service. The arrival of the Pilatus PC-9 would have to involve their withdrawal, but the startup of the F-18 and F-111 brought a renewal of activity to No 2OCU. It was thus decided to reform in 1989 No 76 Sqdn with Williamtown to train the pilots with the techniques of combat and No 25 Sqdn with Pearce to facilitate the conversion of the pilots. In 1990 an accident revealed problems of tiredness, involving the change of the aerofoils of all the apparatuses in service. The last were withdrawn in April 2001, yielding the place to the BAe Hawk Trainer.

Brazil

Brought into service in 1970 to replace the Douglas B-26 Invader of FAB, the Xavante equipped mainly within the 3rd Air fleet the 4° and 10° Grupo de Aviação de Caca (GAvCa), as well as the 2°/5° GAv de Natal for the training of the pilots. The 10° GAvCa was declared operational on AMX in July 2000, preserving only 3 MB-326 for the drive, and the 2°/5° GAv dissolves on December 1st, 2004. But in 2004 Brazil bought in South Africa a batch of spare parts, 22 cells of Impala I and 48 engines to prolong the life of the Xavante 1°/4° GAvCa de Natal. They were followed between April and July 2006 with 4 Mk I and 5 Mk II in-flight status (the last withdrawn specimens of the service by SAAF.

Cameroun

In February 1997 were delivered by the South Africa 2 MB-326M Impala I for the School of Aviation of Yaounde and 4 MB-326K Impala II for the Squadron of Hunting of Garoua.

United Arab Emirates

On the 6 MB-326KD and 2 MB-326LD delivered in 1975 to the Flying school of Mindhat, Dubai, 5 apparatuses was still in service in 1999.

Ghana

On 7 MB-32 6F ordered into 1965,2 only was still in service with Tamale in 1972. The 6 MB-326KG delivered into 1978 were versed with No 4 Sqdn (Fighter Squadron) for the tactical support and the advanced drive, reinforced by 3 MB-326KZ coming from the ordering of the Zaire delivered to beginning of the year 90.

Italy

118 MB-326 were delivered to the FRIENDLY on 135 ordered specimens 54238/54249, 54266/54291, 54298/54300, 54372/54391, the first specimens entering in service in February 1962. This plane remained a long time popular within the FRIENDLY which had evil to separate some. In 1990 however a pilot had to eject himself in flight and the plane was crushed on a school, killing 12 pupils. The machines still in service were immobilized, but a dozen continued to fly regularly until the end of the Nineties.

Paraguay

On 9 delivered MB-326GB in October 1979 for Grupo Aérotactico d' Asuncion (1° Escuadron de Caza Guarani) 5 was still in service in 2002.

Togo

3 MB-326GB were bought in 1976 with Embraer, then 3 others in 1978, for the Fighter squadron based with Lome.

Tunisia

8 MB-326B were ordered in 1965 for the drive of the Tunisian pilots, followed of 5 MB-326LT and 8 MB-326KT in 1977 to replace F-86 Saber. All these apparatuses are gathered within the 11th flotilla with Sidi Ahmed - Bizerte.

Zaire

MB-326GB are used by the 132e flotilla, 13th Wing d' Entrainement with Kinshasa , the MB-326K by the 212e escacrille, 21e Wing de Chasse and of Assault with Kamina. 5 planes were lost during the attack of Kolwezi in 1978. Three of the 6 ordered MB-326K, built in 1979 (last produced MB-326 with Varese) remained stored in Italy ten years before being finally sold in Ghana.

Zambia

This country received 6 MB-326GB in 1971 and 18 in 1978.

Civilians

In addition to the Italian company Alitalia, which received 4 MB-326D , the National Test Pile School of Mojave, California, bought with the surpluses of SAAF eleven MB-326M Impala I with N158TP and N161TP with N164TP. Three South-African apparatuses were also sold with American collectors like Warbirds.

External bonds

the MB-326 on GlobalSecurity.org
the MB-326 on WarbirdAlley.com

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