Aermacchi

Aermacchi, originally Aeronautica Macchi, was an Italian aircraft manufacturer based in Varese. The company was founded in 1913 by Giulio Macchi and began as a builder of seaplanes and racing aircraft. It gained prominence for a range of military types, including fighters produced during and after World War II, such as the Macchi C.202 Folgore and the Macchi C.205.

After the war, the firm shifted its emphasis toward training and light combat aircraft. It developed a successful family of jet trainers and light attack aircraft, most notably the MB series. The MB-326, MB-339 and related designs became widely used as trainer aircraft by air forces around the world and served as a stepping stone to more advanced types. In addition to trainers, Aermacchi contributed to navigation and light-attack roles, and its designs were widely exported.

Corporate evolution saw Aermacchi integrated into the Finmeccanica group (now Leonardo) and organized within the Alenia Aermacchi unit, which focused on military training aircraft and lightweight combat planes. The division developed and produced the M-346 Master, an advanced jet trainer used by several air forces. In the 2010s and beyond, the company’s trainer and light-attack programs were consolidated under Leonardo, with the Aermacchi name functioning as part of the wider Leonardo Aircraft division and product portfolio.