The Aermacchi MB-339 is one of Italy's most enduring military jet trainers, serving continuously since 1978 across dozens of air forces worldwide. This structured digital collection brings together 24 official technical publications covering the MB-339A, C, CD, K, and PAN variants — from flight manuals and technical manuals to illustrated parts breakdowns and weapon delivery references — organized for serious researchers, A&P mechanics, and restoration professionals.
Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional MB-339 documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.
Historical Note
The Aermacchi MB-339 first flew on 12 August 1976, developed as a successor to the MB-326 to meet Italian Air Force requirements for an advanced jet trainer capable of transitioning pilots to high-performance combat aircraft. Designed by Aermacchi (later Alenia Aermacchi, now Leonardo), the aircraft entered service in 1978 and quickly attracted international operators due to its docile handling, robust airframe, and operational versatility.
Approximately 230 MB-339s were produced across multiple variants. The MB-339A served as the primary trainer; the MB-339K (Veltro II) was a single-seat light attack derivative; the MB-339C introduced the uprated Rolls-Royce Viper Mk 680 engine and enhanced avionics; and the MB-339CD brought a fully digital glass cockpit with MIL-STD-1553B and ARINC 429 databuses and HOTAS controls. The MB-339PAN is the dedicated variant operated by the Frecce Tricolori, Italy's national aerobatic display team, which continues to fly 13 aircraft (10 display, 3 spares).
Operators have included Italy, Malaysia (MB-339CM), Argentina (Naval Aviation, ~10–20 units), New Zealand (retired, some now with Draken International for adversary training), Eritrea, Ghana, and Nigeria. Italy began officially retiring the MB-339A trainer in mid-2025 after 45 years of service, transitioning pilots to the Leonardo M-345, though the Frecce Tricolori fleet remains active. Over 130 aircraft are estimated to remain in service globally.
Manuals Included in This Collection
- Aermacchi MB-339K Aircraft Technical Manual — 1982 (English) — P.I. TO-08-339K
- Aermacchi MB-339C Aircraft Flight Manual — 1982/1992 — PM 1T-MB339C-1
- Aermacchi MB.339CD Aircraft Flight Manual (English) — AER 1T-MB339C(2)-1
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Technical Manual — 1982 (English) — P.I. TO-01-386A
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Technical Manual — 1981
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Training Manual (English) — PI AD-01-39A — 1987
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Maintenance Manual — Gas, Pneumatic Anti-Ice, Oxygen and Smoking Systems (Italian) — AER IT-MB339A-2-6
- Aermacchi MB.339A Aircraft Illustrated Parts Breakdown Manual — Power Plant, Fuel, Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (English) — PI 1T-MB339AA-4-4
- Aermacchi MB.339A Aircraft Illustrated Parts Breakdown Manual — Airframe and Landing Gear (English) — PI 1T-MB339AA-4-2
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Flight Manual — 1982
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Flight Manual — 1984
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Flight Manual — 1988
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Flight Manual — 2000
- Aermacchi MB.339A Aircraft Flight Manual for P.A.N. (Frecce Tricolori)
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Maintenance Manual — Engine and Relative Systems (Italian) — AER IT-MB339A-2-3
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Weapon Delivery — Basic Information Manual (English) — PI 1T-MB339A-34-1-1
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Tactical Manual (English) — PI AD-02-39A
- Aermacchi MB-339A Aircraft Flight Manual Supplementary (English) — PI IT-MB339A-1DE
- Aermacchi MB-339 Aircraft Flight Manoeuvre and Procedures — Manovre e procedure di volo (Italian)
- Aermacchi MB-339 Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement — JPARTS Demonstrator (English) — PI IT-MB339A-1E
- Aermacchi MB-339C Aircraft Technical Manual
- Aermacchi MB-339CD Aircraft Technical Manual
- Aermacchi MB-339 Aircraft Technical Manual — 1981
- Aermacchi MB-339 Aircraft Technical Manual — 1977
- Aermacchi MB-339X Aircraft Flight Manual (Italian)
This collection spans documentation from 1977 through 2000, covering the full production and operational lifecycle of the MB-339 family. Publications are available in both English and Italian, reflecting the aircraft's dual military and export service context.
Engineering Norms and Standards
The MB-339 was designed and certified to Italian military airworthiness standards (Aeronautica Militare specifications) and Aermacchi's own engineering practices. Key technical parameters documented across this collection include:
- Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Viper Mk 632-43 (MB-339A/PAN) — 17.8 kN (4,000 lbf) thrust; Viper Mk 680 (MB-339C/CD) — 19.57 kN (4,400 lbf)
- Operating Limits: Max RPM 102%–103.5% (JPT-dependent); Max JPT 756°C intermediate power / 800°C ground start; throttle caution above 42,000 ft to prevent flameout
- Performance: Max sea-level speed 920 km/h (495 kt); service ceiling 14,020 m (46,000 ft); MTOW 6,350 kg (14,000 lb)
- Aerodynamics: Low-wing configuration with integral wingtip tanks (320L or 500L); enlarged tailfin vs. MB-326 for directional stability; minifences integrated to counter asymmetric G-stall flow separation
- Avionics (MB-339CD): Modular suite with MIL-STD-1553B and ARINC 429 databuses; HOTAS controls; glass cockpit
- Structure: Tricycle retractable landing gear; CG loading data per PI 1T-MB339C-5-2
Specialized Documentation
This collection includes variant-specific materials of particular value to operators and researchers: the MB-339PAN flight manual documents the Frecce Tricolori's specialized configuration; the Weapon Delivery and Tactical manuals cover the MB-339A's light attack role; and the JPARTS Demonstrator supplement addresses export demonstration configurations. The MB-339CD technical manual reflects the aircraft's most advanced avionics standard, relevant to operators evaluating digital cockpit integration.
Where to Find Additional Documentation
Official Support: Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Alenia Aermacchi) holds the current Type Certificate and provides ongoing airworthiness support for active operators. Contact Leonardo's Customer Support division for current Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives.
Historical Archives: The Italian Air Force Historical Office (Ufficio Storico dell'Aeronautica Militare) maintains operational records. Enthusiast communities and warbird forums dedicated to Italian military aviation are valuable sources for operator-specific documentation and flight experience.
Specialty Vendors: Online Aviation Library and similar archival documentation providers offer structured collections of historical technical publications for research, restoration, and study purposes.
Format and Delivery
All documents are delivered as high-resolution PDF files, optimized for screen reading and printing. Instant download upon purchase. Files are organized by variant and document type for straightforward navigation. Compatible with all standard PDF readers on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Disclaimer
These publications are provided for historical reference, research, and educational purposes. They do not constitute current airworthiness documentation. For any aircraft in active service, always consult the current Type Certificate holder and applicable regulatory authority. Trade names and designations are the property of their respective owners. This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.