The First Reconfigured MB-339CD for the Italian Air Force Takes to the Air

VENEGONO, Italy: In late September, Alenia Aermacchi test-flew the first MB-339CD upgraded to Batch 2 standard. Over the following days the aircraft completed its company test flights and is now ready to be submitted to the Italian Air Force for its official acceptance.

This the first of 14 trainers covered by the agreement signed in October 2007 between the Italian Air Force and Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company. The deal provides for the upgrading to Batch 2 standard of 14 MB-339CD advanced trainers built to Batch 1 standard under a previous 1995 contract and already in service with the Italian Air Force.

The 14 reconfigured aircraft will be redelivered in the course of 2009, under a schedule agreed with the Italian Air Force.

The 14 MB-339CD trainers are being upgraded mainly in their avionics system, improving their identification, communications and positioning systems, adding a digital map system and integrating night vision and embedded simulation capabilities.

The contract also includes logistics support activities to manage repairs on a selected range of aircraft components, carried out directly at the 61st Wing’s Lecce base, which introduced the MB-339CD in 1997. Through this support the Italian Air Force intends to optimise the flight potential of the MB-339 fleet, integrating its own logistic resources with those of industry.

Background Information
The MB-339CD “Batch 2” is a two-seat, aerobatic, single-engine turbojet aircraft for the Advanced and Lead-In-Fighter Training phases of the military pilot training syllabus. With its performance, excellent handling and sophisticated systems, the MB-339CD is one of the most successful members of the Alenia Aermacchi training aircraft family.

In addition to the Italian Air Force, the MB-339CD is used by the air forces of eight nations. The latest customer is Malaysia, which ordered eight MB-339CM in November 2006.

The MB-339CD is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics with a human-machine interface that includes a HUD (Head-Up Display) and three MFD (Multi Functional Displays) in both the front and rear cockpits, as well as software to simulate complex operational scenarios.

The aircraft features an air-refuelling probe, which makes even more representative of most modern fighters, and enhanced training and operational capabilities.

The new “Batch 2” adds further training and operational capabilities, integrating new functions in its avionics system. These include embedded simulation, digital maps, compatibility with night vision goggles, new radio and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) systems, a new integrated AACMI (Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation) pod as well as modern safety equipment such as the Crash Data Recorder and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).