Aermacchi MB-339K Veltro II
Aermacchi · Italy · first flew 1980 · fighter
The Aermacchi MB-339K Veltro II ('Greyhound II') was a single-seat light strike variant of the MB-339 jet trainer, designed to offer export customers a dedicated ground-attack aircraft derived from an already-proven and low-cost training platform.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.97 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- single-seat light attack development of the MB-339 trainer
- underwing hard points for weapons pods
- same swept low wing and side intakes as the two-seat MB-339
Externally similar to the MB-339 trainer but with a single-seat cockpit and a faired-over rear cockpit area forming a spine behind the pilot. The absence of a rear seat and the longer spine are the clearest distinguishing features versus the two-seater.
Specifications
- The Aermacchi MB-339K Veltro II has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.22 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 900 km/h (559 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Aermacchi developed the Veltro II in the late 1970s as an unsolicited export venture, drawing on the well-regarded MB-339 airframe but removing the rear cockpit and replacing it with an avionics bay and additional fuel. The first flight in 1980 demonstrated creditable performance, but the aircraft attracted no production orders in a crowded light-attack market. Development was discontinued after the prototype phase.
Variants
A single prototype was built; no production examples were delivered.
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; the aircraft was a manufacturer-funded demonstrator. The standard two-seat MB-339 and MB-339C went on to equip several air forces.
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- MB-339PAN
- Aermacchi MB-339A
- MB-339
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