Atlas Impala Mk II
Atlas Aircraft Corporation · South Africa · first flew 1974 · fighter
The Impala Mk II is the South African single-seat attack variant of the MB-326, built by Atlas Aircraft Corporation and used by the South African Air Force for ground-attack and counter-insurgency missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Circular nose intake with centrebody, SAAF camouflage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat South African attack Impala derived from MB-326K
- Gun ports in lower nose, six underwing hardpoints
- Circular nose intake with centrebody, SAAF camouflage
Shorter single-seat cockpit and twin cannon bulges in the lower nose distinguish the Mk II from the two-seat Mk I at close range; the overall MB-326 silhouette is otherwise the same.
Specifications
- The Atlas Impala Mk II has a length of 10.67 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.85 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 890 km/h (553 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Atlas developed the Mk II as a licence derivative of the Aermacchi MB-326K, with a single cockpit, two internal DEFA cannon, and enhanced weapons capability. It entered service in the mid-1970s and saw combat during the South African Border War, attacking targets in Angola and Namibia throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Variants
The Mk II differs substantially from the two-seat Impala Mk I by having a single cockpit, heavier armament, and more powerful Viper 540 engine.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the SAAF's No. 4, 8, and other squadrons; saw extensive combat use in the Bush War until replaced by the Cheetah and later Hawk.
Related aircraft
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