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 26 official technical publications covering the MB-339 A, C, CD, K, and X variants — from flight manuals and technical descriptions 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 — 26 Documents

Variants covered: A · C · CD · K · X

Variant A — 16 Manuals

MB-339 A Aircraft Handbook

• MB-339A Technical Description 1982, P.I. TD-01-39A (English)
• MB-339A Technical Description 1982, V.115 (English)

MB-339 A Armament

• MB-339A Aircrew Weapon Delivery Manual Basic Information P.I. 1T-MB339A-34-1-1 1983 (English)
• MB-339A Tactical Manual PI AD-02-39A 1984 (English)

MB-339 A Flight Manual

• MB-339A Flight Manual 1988, PI 1T-MB339A-1 (English)
• MB-339A Flight Manual AER 1T-MB339A-1 1982, Manuale di Volo aeroplano (Italian)
• MB-339A Supplementary Flight Manual 1985, PI 1T-MB339A-1D (English)
• MB-339A Supplementary Flight Manual (S/N 140 to 143 in Aerobatic Configuration) PI 1T-MB339A-1D 1985 (English)
• MB-339A Flight Maneuvers and Procedures Manual 61ª Brigata Aerea Lecce 1986, Manuale delle Manovre e Procedure di Volo (Italian)
• MB-339A Flight Manual Supplement JPATS Demonstrator 1992, PI 1T-MB339A-1E (English)
• MB-339A Supplementary Flight Manual P.A.N. — Manuale di Volo supplementare per la P.A.N. AER 1T-MB339A-1A (Italian)
• MB-339A Flight Manual 1988, PI 1T-MB339A-1 (English)
• MB-339 A Training Manual PI AD-01-39A 1981 (English)

MB-339 A Spare Parts

• Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog Manual — Catalogo Nomenclatore (Italian)

MB-339 A Systems

• MB-339A Maintenance Manual Engine and Related Systems 1979, Manuale di Manutenzione Motore ed Impianti AER 1T-MB339A-2-3 (Italian)
• MB-339A Maintenance Manual Fuel, Pneumatic, Anti-icing, Oxygen and Smoke Systems 1979, Manuale di Manutenzione Impianti Combustibile, Pneumatico, Antighiaccio, Ossigeno e Fumogeno AER 1T-MB339A-2-6 (Italian)
• MB-339A Illustrated Parts Breakdown Airframe and Landing Gear 2003, PI 1T-MB339A-4-2 (English)
• MB-339A Illustrated Parts Breakdown Power Plant, Fuel, Hydraulic and Environmental Systems 1983, P.I. 1T-MB339A-4-4 (English)

Variant C — 2 Manuals

MB-339 C Aircraft Handbook

• MB-339 C Technical Description 1986 (English)

MB-339 C Flight Manual

• MB-339 C-1 Flight Manual 1992, PI 1T-MB339C-1 (English)

Variant CD — 2 Manuals

MB-339 CD Aircraft Handbook

• MB-339 CD Technical Description 2000 (English)

MB-339 CD Flight Manual

• MB-339 CD Flight Manual 2001, Manuale di Volo AER 1T-MB339C(2)-1 (Italian)

Variant K — 1 Manual

MB-339 K Aircraft Handbook

• MB-339K Technical Description 1982, P.I. TD-08-39K (English)

Variant X — 1 Manual

MB-339 X Flight Manual

• MB-339 X Flight Manual 1976, Manuale di Volo 1° Prototipo — M.M. 588 — AER 1T-MB339X-1 (Italian)

No Variant — 4 Manuals

MB-339 Aircraft Handbook

• MB 339 Technical Description 1977, V.115 (English)
• MB-339 Technical Description 1981, P.I. TD-01-39A (English)

MB-339 Slides, Photos and Brochures

• MB-339 Aircraft Technical Brochure: Program Status — Advanced Training · Close Air Support · Anti-Helicopter · Continuation Training 1980 (English)

This collection spans documentation from 1976 through 2003, 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

This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.

⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.

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