Aermacchi / CAC MB-326H
Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation / Aermacchi · Australia · first flew 1967 · fighter
The MB-326H is the Australian licence-built version of the Aermacchi MB-326 jet trainer, manufactured by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation for RAAF advanced jet training.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.67 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- RAAF jet trainer with single Viper turbojet and tandem cockpit
- Straight-tapered wing with moderate sweep and wingtip tanks
- Rounded nose inlet, Australian-built by CAC
Near-identical to other MB-326 variants — slim fuselage, moderate-sweep low wing, tip tanks, circular nose inlet — distinguished by RAAF roundels and CAC data plates.
Specifications
- The Aermacchi / CAC MB-326H has a length of 10.67 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.85 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 867 km/h (539 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Australia selected the MB-326 in the mid-1960s and CAC built 97 examples at Fishermens Bend, Melbourne, entering service in 1968. The MB-326H served as the RAAF's primary jet trainer through the 1970s, replacing the de Havilland Vampire. It was eventually succeeded by the BAE Hawk in the advanced training role.
Variants
The H suffix is the Australian production designation; it corresponds closely to the MB-326G export standard with a Bristol Siddeley Viper 11 engine.
Where you'll see it
Served with RAAF No. 2 Flying Training School at Pearce and Central Flying School; also used by the Roulettes aerobatic team before the PC-9/A replaced it.
Related aircraft
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