Italy modernized first flight MB-339CD

The company Alenia Aermacchi has completed upgrading and flight testing the first training-combat aircraft (PTA) MB-339CD Italian Air Force. According to Flight Global, for the moment the aircraft is fully prepared for the customer acceptance tests.

Total Italian Air Force until the end of 2009 will receive 14 UBS upgraded MB-339CD. The work performed by Alenia Aermacchi, in accordance with the contract, which was concluded in October 2007. Its cost was 41.2 million euros.

The package includes the modernization of advanced communications and navigation, identification system "to-stranger", as well as the control unit with the system simulation of air combat. The new avionics compatible with night vision devices, which will work off flights at night. In addition, the upgraded aircraft refueling system installed in the air.
?�
PTA MB-339CD is designed for advanced flight training fighters EF-2000 Typhoon and Tornado, as well as to fulfill the tasks of local shock. It is equipped with a turbojet engine, which allows a speed exceeding 920 kilometers per hour. The practical range of 2500 kilometers, a ceiling - 14020 meters.

In the battle version of MB-339CD can be held in six nodes external suspension container with a cannon or machine guns, as well as guided and unguided missiles and bombs total mass of more than 2000 kilograms.