Malaysian MB-339CM Flies

[tigershark]

Malaysian MB-339CM Flies
 Posted by Robert Wall at 11/26/2008 2:33 PM CST

Alenia Aermacchi yesterday completed the first flight of the MB-339CM for the Malaysian air force.
The hourlong mission was flown by Alenia Aermacchi chief test pilot Quirino Bucci and chief flight test engineer Carlo Monti. The test particularly explored the functioning of the new avionics.

The “CM” has a HUD and three multi-function displays in both the front and rear cockpits. The avionics provides embedded simulation capabilities, digital maps, and is compatible for use with night vision goggles. The communications system is also upgraded and an Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation pod and other features are part of the package, according to Aermacchi. An air-refuelling probe also is included.

Malaysian pilots are due to start flying the aircraft come January, with the first two aircraft to be handed over by April and six more before the end of next year.

Source / There a few nice pictures as well.
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3adff4ee76-5a18-461a-91f7-d2e7e9439d43&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

 

[Webmaster]

Seems the defense blog of AW is down at the moment? Or is the link wrong?

[tigershark]

Up now

I like this trainer I can see it as a light-Combat aircraft.

[Webmaster]

No radar, and no TGP either as far as I know, so it won't be very effective... but yeah it is a light attacker:

Nigerian MB-339As with gun pods and some kind of bomb or jammer...?

[tigershark]

I agree adjustments would have to be made to the aircraft.  Smaller Air Forces years ago that use the trusty but had to find parts for A-37, might have gone that route.  Currently there are a number of advance trainers that could fill this slot not to mention low cost 2nd hand Vipers.

[Webmaster]

For A-37/Pucara replacements, the armed Embraer turboprops might be better suited and lower cost.

Found a better picture of an armed MB-339, also the MB-339A though, not the new CD. Actually, it's one from the Frecce Tricolori, lol.

Courtesy of the ItAF: