VNAF - Aermacchi MB-326

    By early 1965 it was becoming increasingly obvious that self-sufficiency had to be considered as an option for the future, since difficulties in obtaining modern aircraft and weapons from the US would only increase. Self-sufficiency would obviously include the establishment of an indigenous aircraft industry, something which did not exist at that stage. Vietnams Consortium of Aeronautics and Vietnamese Defence Industries were consequently registered as state-owned corporations in 1964.
    VCA, a commercial enterprise, was formed specifically to manufacture jet trainers and helicopters for the VNAF, and to provide the VNAF with first-line maintenance facilities for its aircraft and engines, and to provide skilled technical personnel to support the VNAF at its bases. Soon after the formation of VCA, an agreement was reached with Italy’s Aermacchi and France’s Sud Aviation, under which VCA would license-produce the MB326 jet trainer, the Alouette III Light utility helicopter, and the Super Frelon heavy lift helicopter.
    A production plant was established adjacent to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, but the first MB326’s were Italian manufactured and were imported in knocked-down form. Assembly of the first MB326 trainer took place at Bien Hoa AFB while production facilities were being established at VCA. The first VNAF MB326 made its first flight in November 1965. As production got under way at VCA, local content was increased so by the time last examples were delivered, virtually the entire airframes and power plants were being locally manufactured. Although the MB326 was intended primarily as a trainer, the aircraft’s ground attack capabilities could not be ignored and with the continued fighting against the Viet Cong, ground attack aircraft were in great demand so simultaneously with the trainer the MB326K single seat COIN aircraft was ordered to complement the A-1 Skyraiders already in service with the VNAF which by 1966 had started showing clear signs of their age.
    The South Vietnamese Air Force employed MB-326Ks during campaigns against the Viet Cong and NVA troops in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam between 1966 and 1998. MB-326 pilots typically flew at 550–650 km/h at a height of 15 m to avoid North Vietnamese air defences. Over the course of the Vietnam War, several were downed by surface to air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery, while others returned heavily damaged. The MB-326K also found a rather unusual job as a helicopter interceptor where its lower speeds and great firepower made it a very feared aircraft by North Vietnamese helicopter crews.
    The South Vietnamese Air Force used up to 6 x 120 kg or 4 x 250 kg bombs. The main armament consisted of 68 mm SNEB rocket-launchers (four x 6 or two x 18), and two 30 mm auto cannon (with 300 rounds). These cannons were the real bonus for the MB-326K, helping to give a superior performance compared to earlier two-seat versions. The latter could also carry a pair of 30 mm DEFA guns in under-wing pods. However, dual capability as trainer-attackers was better appreciated, as was the availability of six hard points and so dual-seat versions were far more common.