MB-339PAN
Aermacchi · Italy · first flew 1982 · fighter
The MB-339PAN is the dedicated display variant of the MB-339 jet trainer optimised for the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force aerobatic display team, featuring a smoke-generation system and other display-specific modifications.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Tandem two-seat jet trainer fuselage with stepped cockpits |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat jet trainer fuselage with stepped cockpits
- Low swept wings with tip tanks
- Single Viper turbojet exhausting under the tail
Visually identical to the standard MB-339A in silhouette. The smoke generators are small and often not visible. Distinguished from other MB-339 variants only by Frecce Tricolori livery with characteristic blue, green, and red trim.
Specifications
- The MB-339PAN has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.86 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 898 km/h (558 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
When the Frecce Tricolori retired the Fiat G.91PAN in the early 1980s, Aermacchi developed the MB-339PAN to serve as the replacement. It retained the standard MB-339A airframe but added underwing and undercarriage-bay smoke generators, and removed combat systems. The team received ten aircraft, replacing the soloist's ninth machine with a double-seat tenth aircraft for passenger flights. The PAN has remained the Frecce Tricolori's mount through decades of displays.
Variants
The standard MB-339A is the baseline trainer. The MB-339C introduced a more powerful Viper 680 engine. Combat variants include the MB-339CB and MB-339FD. The PAN is essentially a de-militarised A standard airframe.
Where you'll see it
In service with the Frecce Tricolori since 1982, the MB-339PAN has displayed at air shows across Europe and beyond for over four decades. The Italian Air Force has periodically refurbished the fleet to extend service life. There are no export operators of this specific variant.
Related aircraft
- Aermacchi MB-339K Veltro II
- Aermacchi MB-339A
- MB-339
- MB-339CD
- Ilyushin Il-102
- Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera
- Northrop F-20 Tigershark
- AV-8B Harrier II
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