Alenia Aermacchi Delivers the First Two MB-339CMs to the Royal Malaysian Air Force

13 Maret 2009

First two of MB-339CM trainers (photo : Aermacchi)

Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, has delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force its first two MB-339CM trainers. These two aircraft are part of an order for eight trainers placed by the RMAF in late 2006.

Chief Test Pilot Cdr. Quirino Bucci and Test Pilot Cdr. Matteo Maurizio took off from the Alenia Aermacchi airfield in two MB-339CMs and landed at the RMAF base at Kuantan after a 12,000-kilometre delivery flight. The six remaining MB-339CM are expected to be delivered in the course of 2009.

MB-339CM of RMAF (photo : Aermacchi)

The Royal Malaysian Air Force will use the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339CM as Lead-In Fighter Trainers to prepare Malaysian pilots to fly new generation fighter aircraft in service with the RMAF.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force selection confirms the excellent characteristics of the MB-339 that, in the new CM variant, is equipped with an advanced avionic system including Embedded Training Simulation, a digital map and new and modern safety devices. This MB-339 version offers a complete and effective training and answers the most sophisticated training needs.

The RMAF has operated the previous MB-339A for over 20 years and will now replace them with the new MB-339CM. These aircraft thus represent an ideal continuity in the training of Malaysian pilots and are further proof of the confidence placed in Alenia Aermacchi, which was been again called to provide Malaysia with high-quality aircraft offering the highest levels of efficiency.

Background

The MB-339CM is a two-seat, aerobatic, single-engine aircraft for the Advanced and Lead-In-Fighter Training phases of the military pilot training syllabus. It is based upon the MB-339CD in use with the Italian Air Force. With its performance, excellent handling and sophisticated systems, the MB-339CD is one of the most successful members of the Alenia Aermacchi training aircraft family.

The MB-339CM is equipped with modern avionics with a human-machine interface that includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) and three Multi Functional Displays (MFD) in both the front and rear cockpits, as well as software to simulate complex operational scenarios.
The aircraft features an air-refuelling probe, which makes it even more representative of current fighters. This version adds further training and operational capabilities, integrating new functions in its avionics system. These include Embedded Training Simulation, digital maps, a cockpit compatible with night vision goggles (NVG), new radios and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), a new integrated Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (AACMI) pod as well as modern safety equipment such as the Crash Data Recorder and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

(Aermacchi)