iscover
Nearing the twilight of its Australian career, the MB-326 served with 76 Squadron as an advanced trainer and lead in fighter. Current fatigue problems with the airframe though may see its replacement sooner than originally expected.
Aircraft of the ADF – A7 Aermacchi MB-326
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A7 – Aermacchi MB-326H
An evaluation team departed Australia in February 1965 to look for an “all through” pilot jet trainer to replace both of the RAAF’s existing training aircraft, the Winjeel and the Vampire.
Six types were evaluated: the Canadair Tutor, the Swedish Saab 105, the Italian Macchi 326, the French Potez 94, the British BAC-145 development of the Jet Provost and the Japanese Fttji TlF-3. On August 26 the selection was announced as the MB-326 aircraft, manufactured by Aeronautica Macchi SpA.
The first MB-326, with the Italian civil registration I-MAKI, made its maiden flight on December 10 1957. After its public debut at the 1959 Paris Air Show, the Macchi was test flown by the RAAF that July. The 326 was ordered as the Italian Air Force standard trainer, and in an unusual move, also by their national airline, Alitalia.
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