Alenia Aermacchi has delivered the last four MB-339As to have been upgraded for the United Arab Emirates air force's Al Fursan (The Knights) aerobatic team.
The aircraft left Alenia's Venegono plant on 21 December on a ferry flight to the UAE. The company in late 2009 completed work on six more MB-339s for the Al Fursan team, which will usually perform displays using seven aircraft.
Eight UAE pilots are due to complete a dedicated aerobatic training course at Udine Rivolto air base during January under the tuition of the Italian air force's Frecce Tricolore display team. Further preparations will take place in the UAE.
© Alenia Aermacchi |
Source: Flight International