The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 Impala is a modern Italian jet trainer and light fighter, with an all-metal structure, in a low wing configuration. The drive is provided by a single Bristol Siddeley Viper engine. The prototype flight took place in 1957. Serial production continued in the years 1961-1975, ending with the production of about 760 machines. The aircraft was armed with two 12.7 mm Browning machine guns and a load of up to 900 kg of bombs or rockets.
The MB-326 was created as a grassroots initiative by Aermacchi, aiming to create a new training aircraft that could be used for both basic and advanced training, and as a last resort - could be used as a light fighter. The concept of such a universal light jet was popular in many countries at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s and the Italian company wanted to master this market with the MB-326 model. The Italian military aviation quickly became interested in the project. Finally, the new Aermacchi aircraft turned out to be a very successful design, with good flight characteristics, very good maneuverability and high reliability. A dozen or so variants of this aircraft were created in the course of serial production. For example, the MB-326GB version was developed, which was adapted to attack sea and land targets. Its buyer was, among others: Argentina. Later, the MB-326M was developed, which was a training aircraft and light fighter that was exported to South Africa. The MB-326 planes enjoyed great interest on foreign markets. They were purchased, among others, by Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Ghana, Paraguay and South Africa.