Aeronautica Macchi M.B.320 — Factory Manuals Collection
One of the rarest postwar Italian civil aircraft ever documented in primary-source form. The Aermacchi M.B.320 was a twin-engine executive and utility transport designed by Ermanno Bazzocchi for Aeronautica Macchi, Varese — only 8 examples were ever built, with a handful exported to operators including East African Airways. This Living Collection brings together the surviving factory documentation for this exceptional aircraft.
Documents in This Collection
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Istruzioni e Norme per il Montaggio, la Regolazione e la Manutenzione del Velivolo Bimotore M.B.320 — con Annesse Norme per il Pilotaggio
Aeronautica Macchi, Varese · Dicembre 1952
Language: Italian · Assembly, rigging, maintenance & pilot operating norms -
Presentazione — Velivolo Aer. Macchi M.B.320
Aeronautica Macchi, Varese · c. 1949
Language: Italian · Factory presentation document, original issue -
Aermacchi Production Register — M.B.308 Series (with M.B.320 lineage context)
C/N & Registration cross-reference list · Compiled from historical registries
Language: English
Aircraft Technical Profile
Airframe & Structure
- Configuration: Low-wing cantilever monoplane — all-wooden construction with molded plywood skins over wooden ribs
- Wing geometry: Thin-profile, inherited from the M.B.308 lineage — highly streamlined but labor-intensive
- Landing gear: Fully retractable tricycle system with oscillating-fork nose wheel assembly for rough-field absorption
- Cabin: Greenhouse-style enclosure with superior external visibility for pilot and co-pilot/passengers
Powerplant
- 2 × Continental E185 air-cooled, horizontally-opposed flat-six piston engines
- Output: 138 kW (185 hp) per engine at maximum takeoff RPM
- Fuel induction: Pressure carburetor for uniform distribution across horizontal cylinders
- Propellers: Two-blade, variable-pitch, constant-speed — optional full-feathering for single-engine failure drag mitigation
Handling & Stability
- Clean longitudinal stability; demands immediate rudder input during single-engine-out operations (Vmc critical velocity)
- Flight controls: Conventional dual cable-actuated ailerons, elevators, and rudder
- Flaps: Hydraulically operated for high-lift performance on steep approaches
Performance Data — ISA, Maximum Gross Weight
| Metric | SI | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 322 km/h | 200 mph / 174 kn |
| Cruise Speed | 285 km/h at 2,000 m (70% power) | 177 mph at 6,600 ft |
| Maximum Range | 1,000 km | 620 mi / 540 nmi |
| Service Ceiling | 5,200 m | 17,100 ft |
| Rate of Climb | 1,000 m in 3 min 8 s | 3,300 ft in 3 min 8 s |
| Empty Weight | 1,490 kg | 3,285 lb |
| Gross Weight | 2,250 kg | 4,960 lb |
| Total Fuel Capacity | 400 L | 110 US gal |
⚠️ 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.
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.
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