iscover
Navy Macchi N14-076 in the service's distinctive Oxford Blue and white colour scheme with the yellow arrow tail marking of VC-724 Squadron. This aircraft was subsequently transferred to the RAAF but sadly crashed into the sea off Williamtown in 1990, due to structural failure of the wing.
Aircraft of the ADF — N14 Aermacchi MB-326H
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N14 Aermacchi MB-326H
In 1965, the RAAF selected the Aermacchi MB-326 as an all through pilot jet trainer to replace both of its existing training aircraft, the Winjeel and the Vampire. The RAN’s advanced jet trainer, the Vampire, also needed replacement, and the logical decision was made to standardise with the RAAF’s selection.
The first Macchi MB-326, with the appropriate Italian civil registration I-MAKI, had made its maiden flight on December 10, 1957. After its public debut at the 1959 Paris Airshow, the Macchi was test flown by the RAAF that July. When the RAAF aircraft were ordered in 1965, the Australian model became the MB-326H. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) was selected as the Australian prime contractor for the licenced construction of both the airframe (with the CAC type designation CA-30) and of the Viper turbojet engine, with Hawker de Havilland as the major subcontractor. The initial contract was for 75 aircraft, and the RAAF planned for a further order of another 33 aircraft to fulfil its requirements. To enable introduction into RAAF service by 1968, the initial aircraft would be imported to be assembled by CAC at Fishermen’s Bend in Melbourne. Thereafter, a gradual build-up in local content would result in an Australian manufactured aircraft. Twenty Italian aircraft were imported, serialled A7-001 to A7-018 and A7-015 to A7-021 (Macchi constructor’s numbers were between 6351 and 6395), with A7-001 being handed over to the RAAF on October 3, 1967. CAC constructed aircraft were serialled A7-014 (c/n CA30-14), and then from A7-022 (c/n CA30-22 onwards).
However, the “all through” jet training concept did not last long and the RAAF reverted to the Winjeel as its ab initio trainer, with the Macchi replacing the Vampire on the advanced course at No 2 Flying Training School at Pearce. The first deliveries in the RAAF were made to Central Flying School at East Sale to enable instructor conversion to the new type. Introduction of the Macchi progressed smoothly with CAC delivering an average of four aircraft per month. After the RAAF’s acceptance of A7-072 in June 1970, the first six Macchis were delivered to the RAN at HMAS Albatross, the Navy’s shore base at Nowra.
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