The story
Aermacchi built the MB-326 as a straight-wing jet trainer with a single Rolls-Royce Viper, and it turned out so forgiving and so cheap to run that air forces bought it as a light attack jet too. South Africa built it under licence as the Impala and Brazil as the Xavante. A handful now fly in private hands, the most affordable way into a real military jet.
Brazil's Embraer built 167 MB-326s under licence as the Xavante, and the Brazilian Air Force flew its last ones until December 2010.
Quick answers
How do you identify a MB-326?
Straight wings with tip tanks on both ends, a tandem canopy, and slim engine intakes set into the wing roots. Think T-33 proportions but smaller and tidier.
What does a MB-326 sound like?
The Viper's thin, high whistle at idle that hardens into a rasp on takeoff roll.
How fast is the MB-326?
Top speed is 468 kts.
How many people does the MB-326 carry?
Typical configuration: Tandem two-seat trainer.
How far can the MB-326 fly?
Range is about 1,000 nmi.
How big is the MB-326?
It is 35 ft 0 in long and 35 ft 7 in across the wings.
When did the MB-326 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1957.
How many MB-326s have been built?
About 800 built.
What do crews call the MB-326?
The Macchi.
How rare is a MB-326 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first MB-326 catch is worth 250 points.
