MB-339 JET TRAINER, ITALY
The MB-339 jet trainer, produced by Aermacchi SpA of Varese, Italy, has been widely exported and is in service with the air forces of Argentina, Dubai, Eritrea, Ghana, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria and Peru. The MB-339 jet trainer was initially developed to cover the basic and advanced training requirements of the Italian Air Force. Over 200 trainers are in service.
The MB-339A, equipped with a Viper 632 engine, is in service with seven air forces in basic and advanced training and close air support roles. The MB-339B is fitted with the more powerful Viper 680 Rolls Royce engine and higher capacity tip tanks.
The MB-339C, 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 FD (FULL DIGITAL)
The latest version (first flight in 1996) is the MB-339FD (Full Digital) for the advanced fighter training role, covering weapon system management in a high-performance, high-manoeuvrability aircraft. The MB-339FD has been selected by the Venezuelan Air Force, which has a requirement for 24 aircraft.
The MB-339FD Full Digital trainer is equipped with a new avionics suite connected by a MIL-STD- 1553B dual redundant data bus and retains the Viper 680 engine of the MB-339C. Full control and display duplication in the rear cockpit provides effective system operator training.
The MB-339CD is the Italian Air Force version of the MB-339FD, meeting the requirement for a low cost aircraft to train Tornado crews and Eurofighter pilots. 30 have been ordered. The aircraft is representative of current-generation front-line combat aircraft and it retains close commonality with the MB-339A, being equipped with the Viper 632 engine already in service.
WEAPONS
The MB-339 has the capability to carry a wide variety of US and NATO standard external stores under six wing hardpoints. The weapons inventory includes: DEFA 30mm gun (125 rounds per pod); anti-runway bombs; BAP-100 or BAT-120 tactical support bombs; rocket launchers for 50, 68, 81mm and 2.75in rockets; LAU-10a for US 127mm rockets or TB-100-4 launchers for French 100mm rockets; up to two Raytheon Maverick air-to-ground missiles; Matra BAe Dynamics Magic or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; and Alenia MK-2A Marte air-to-ship missile.
The stores selection and delivery is controlled by a computerised Stores Management System (SMS) integrated into the aircraft avionic system and displayed on the multifunction display. The soft keys on the MFD's frame are used for weapon selection parameters, which include the weapon to be used, total quantity for attack, single or double release, release interval and delivery mode.
COUNTERMEASURES
The MB-339FD 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.
AVIONICS
The avionics suite is connected by a MIL-STD-1553B dual-redundant data bus. 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; Kaiser/VDO Head Up Displays (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.
ENGINE
The aircraft is powered by the 4,400lb thrust Rolls-Royce Viper 680 engine. The engine handles positively in all flight conditions with stall-free characteristics in all manoeuvres. The MB-339FD has three main fuel tanks: one in the fuselage and two at the wingtips. Refuelling is through a single point pressure refuelling receptacle.