Who designed the M.B.326?

Short answer

It was developed by a team headed by the Italian aeronautical engineer Ermanno Bazzocchi, the company's technical director and chief engineer, from a project Macchi undertook on its own initiative. The program was formally launched during 1953 and the first prototype flew on 10 December 1957.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

MB-326 cockpit

Macchi's private venture

The MB-326 was not born from an official order but from a project that Macchi undertook on its own initiative, and its development was led by a team headed by the Italian aeronautical engineer Ermanno Bazzocchi. Bazzocchi was also the company's technical director and chief engineer. What emerged was a light military jet trainer, designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Aermacchi. During 1953, the already-designed combination of airframe and engine led Macchi to formally launch the MB-326 program.

From first flight to series production

On 10 December 1957, the first prototype made its maiden flight, with Macchi's chief test pilot, Guido Carestiato, at the controls. Series production ran from 1961 to 1975, a period in which more than 800 MB-326s were built.

Production in Brazil and exports

In Brazil, 167 aircraft were built under license under the designation Embraer EMB-326, intended for the Brazilian Air Force. Another six aircraft were exported to Togo and ten more to Paraguay.