This small, manageable trainer, used by pilots to make the switch from propeller aircraft to jets, was built for the Italian air force in the late 50s/early 60s. Simple and tough, extremely manageable and easy to fly, it soon became one of the Italian aeronautical industry best sellers enjoying considerable export success. Several versions of the MB 326 saw service with the Australian and South African air forces. There, as in Italy, it has only recently been replaced by more modern aircraft.