The Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer is of conventional configuration, and shares much of the MB-326's airframe. It has a low, un-swept wing with tip tanks and jet intakes in the roots, tricycle undercarriage, and accommodation for the student and instructor in tandem. The first flight took place on 12 August 1976 and deliveries to the Italian Air Force commenced in 1979. The MB-339 is a fully aerobatic, tandem two-seat, single-turbojet advanced trainer that covers the entire advanced training syllabus, up to and including Lead-In Fighter Training. The latest MB-339CD version is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. In 1982 the MB-339 was choosen as a replacement of the glorious G-91 PAN for the “Frecce Tricolori’s” aerobatic team. The team flies the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a dedicated variant, capable of 898 km/h at sea level, with nine aircraft and a solo (the highest number of aircraft of any aerobatic team in the world). The team official name is: 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN) “Frecce Tricolori”.