DCS WORLD – The MB-339 by IndiaFoxtEcho: A Complete Overview.
The MB-339 occupies a very particular niche in DCS World: it’s not a fighter, not a frontline attack jet, but a purebred training aircraft with light strike capability. For many sim pilots, that makes it one of the most rewarding “skill-building” modules in the entire ecosystem if you know how to use it.
I have recently downloaded the MB-339 and been flying it as a TRIAL module which is a great DCS WORLD feature. I have been enjoying it so here’s my take on the aircraft with ways I believe you should use it for as a trainer.
Below is a structured look at the real aircraft, how IndiaFoxtEcho modelled it, its strengths and limits, and how a new trainee pilot can build a full training syllabus around it with personal points from my experience so far which has to be said is good!
1. Introduction to the Real MB-339.
The Aermacchi MB-339 was Italy’s successor to the earlier MB-326 family including the Australian-built MB-326H which I was fortunate enough to fly in during my RAAF days in ARDU (Aircraft Research & Development Unit). It was known locally as the MB-226 / Macchi in RAAF service.
You’ll know this aircraft lineage personally just seeing its sleek lines in the air. The same design philosophy, straight wing, forgiving low-speed behaviour, simple systems carries directly into the MB-339.
What is the MB-339.
- A two-seat, single-engine advanced jet trainer.
- Used for pilot training, light attack, and aerobatic teams (most famously the Italian Frecce Tricolori). This livery is included.
- Designed for stability, simplicity, and predictable behaviour.
- Its still fast & built for 8Gs so its manoeuvrable & strong!
What It’s Used For?
Pilots move from the Tucano or another turbo prop aircraft on initial flight training to a jet like the MB-339 when streamed to fast jets. This is where you can pickup some more of the basics in your training at a faster pace than previously.
- Basic and advanced jet training
- Navigation and instrument training
- Formation and aerobatics
- Weapons employment (light attack, gun pods, bombs, rockets)
- BFM – Basic Fighter Manoeuvres even though there is no A/A weapons. The manoeuvring remains the same regardless.
This is where as a new DCS WORLD pilot its worth spending the time to learn the basics because jumping into a fast jet has its own challenges and system complexity.
In the IndiaFoxEcho MB-339 you can get to learn and polish your piloting skills so your a much better fast jet pilot.
Lineage from the MB-326/MB-226.
The original MB-226 design is the base for this aircraft with some improvements but essentially the same straight wing and fuselage design.
- Same design DNA: rugged, simple, cost-effective
- MB-339 adds:
- Modernised cockpit – Not Glass.
- Better aerodynamics
- More reliable systems
- Improved avionics (for the era)
For a sim pilot, it remains one of the best “before you step into the T-45 Goshawk for fast jet” transition platforms. You may be surprised by how different the performance between the MB-339 and the T-45 Goshawk are even in DCS. The performance is quite stark in roll and turn rate even with the MB-339’s 8G limit. It is stable where the T-45 can bite you hard if you get it wrong!
In training missions pilots in the Hawk and other trainers in general are normally calling 5 – 5.5Gs in the Hawk when dogfighting (BFM) on YouTube clips I’ve seen. The roll rates between MB-339 and Hawk are quite different with the T-45 Goshawk much faster in roll and more sensitive to fly in pitch as well. The MB-339 is much more stable which makes it more forgiving if you ask to much of it.
Caution: Exceed the AOA in the Goshawk near the ground in low level flight and you will DIE! Fallen foul myself a couple times personally in my recent training formation exploits. More of that in another post though. The MB-339 does not have this trait that I’ve found as yet. Maybe its waiting for me to pass that limit?
2. Flight Model – How It Feels in DCS.
IndiaFoxtEcho generally nails flight dynamics, and the MB-339 is no exception. The jet has a trainer’s honesty about it:
Strengths
- Excellent low-speed stability
- Predictable pre-stall and stall behaviour
- Smooth handling in the pattern
- Energy retention in aerobatics is unbelievable
- Great rudder authority
The MB-339 is a solid feeling jet with responsive roll and pitch but having said that its smooth and predictable. If you hit the Vne limit the jet vibrates quite a lot which is a good reminder to check your speed. It gets there quickly but its initial acceleration can be a little slower than the T-45 Goshawk mod I’ve been flying too.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Slow acceleration (this is not a fighter) – Yes it takes a while to get going.
- You can easily get behind the aircraft if you mishandle energy. Don’t!
- No high-AoA tricks or fighter-like authority – This is a pleasing trait!
Verdict
If you’re using DCS to improve your flying, this aircraft rewards correct technique. It exposes sloppy energy management in a way that makes you better. Its the ideal place to learn what you thought you knew! This is the ideal jet to learn the path to fast jets.
Get all the aspects of aircraft handling covered before jumping into that new shiny Mig-29, F-16, F-18 or Strike Eagle.
Learn your ground handling and do
1: Keep it on the taxi line.
2. Keep the aircraft on the centreline when taking off!
3. Remain on the centreline when taking off.
4. Fly an accurate pattern +/- 100Ft Plus +/- 10 degrees Heading / +/- 10 knots.
4. Maintain the correct AOA and glide slop on landing.
The list goes on of things you should be doing before getting into something big and fast. The training mission guide below gives you a path of mission you should accomplish as if you were in the process of learning and earning your wings as a DCS military Aviator.
3. Weapons & Combat Capability
This is where some sim pilots make a mistake in expecting the 339 to be something it’s not. Why even have the DCS World by IndiaFoxEcho MB-339 in DCS WORLD at all!
Now having dipped my toe into the T-45 Goshawk freeware mod jet trainer environment, deciding to trial the MB339 I now understand the why and it will make me a better DCS pilot.
I intend to pick it up as its on sale for $29 USD at the moment and I’ve not purchased a module in a couple years now I’d say. Plenty of DCS WORLD sales during the year if your reading this when there isn’t a sale. Frequent and worthwhile options await!
Available Weapons
The one facet this module has the Goshawk does not have is more Air to Air Weapons. I’m truly disappointed in the lack of one crucial area but more on that in a second.
What the MB-339 has is ok for a lot of A/G training.
- Gun pods – Small calibre and large calibre.
- Rocket pods
- Unguided bombs
- Practice ordnance
These weapons allow you to go to the range and practice your Air to Ground proficiency as well as the navigation to and from the base giving you ample opportunity to get some time polishing your basic and weapons skills.
For light counter-insurgency missions or range bombing runs, it’s very enjoyable. But…
No Air-to-Air Capability
O would have considered this a no braner for training. Internal gun and a missile capability would be great but its not available.
- No radar
- No AAMs
- No sensor systems
You can gun down helicopters or WW2 aircraft if you’re determined but in practical DCS terms, this is a ground attack and training platform only. This is disappointing because practicing Air to Air dogfighting (BFM) is a core part of the pilot learning syllabus but it is, what it is!
4. Dual-Seat Training – The Good & Bad.
The Good
- Full multiseat support in DCS
- Instructor/student roles feel natural
- Switches, radios, and systems sync very well
- Great for:
- IFR practice
- Navigation
- Procedures
- Aerobatics
- Formation
The Bad
- Switch sync occasionally lags (common across DCS multiseat modules)
- No true instructor visor override or “screens blanking” capability
- Front/back cockpit visibility differs slightly in readability
“The synchronization between the trainee and instructor sides of the cockpit can, sometimes, break completely. I noticed this while doing testing with Aaron, as I had to exit the aircraft multiple times due to his throttle overriding my inputs, even when I had already taken control of the aircraft.” SkywardFlyMedia.com
For 95% of training, though, it works beautifully but there are times it also fails spectacularly it seems as well..
5. Textures & Visual Quality
This is the one area where the module shows age.
You’re not imagining it: compared to the F-4E, A-4E mod, or even IndiaFoxtEcho’s own F-35 for MSFS, the MB-339 textures look:
- Slightly flat
- Low resolution on some panels
- Lacking modern PBR depth
- Older-generation canopy reflections
The 3D model is fine what it needs is a texture refresh. It honestly looks pretty freeware in some areas. I texture update would be greatly appreciated so it looks as sharp and crisp as the newer DCS WORLD modules.
It doesn’t break immersion, but it’s noticeable. It has the potential to be so much better and as a payware module it deserves to be improved.
6. Cockpit Design & Push-Button Layout
One of the MB-339’s strengths is how pilot-friendly the cockpit is.
Highlights
- Nearly every function is directly joggled or pressed no guesswork
- Switchology is simple and logical
- Perfect for learning:
- Start-up flow discipline
- Radio & nav management
- Fuel management
- Weapon delivery basics
- Excellent visibility from both seats
It’s a fantastic cockpit for students who want to “learn real flying” rather than focusing on multirole complexity. It is laid out pretty logically with the important stuff in front of you so you don’t have to go looking for it such as the Armament panel and the Master Arm Switch. These are all conveniently placed front left in the cockpit.
7. What You Can Train in the MB-339 (DCS)
This jet is a training playground. You can realistically practice:
- Basic instrument flying
- VFR procedures
- Radio navigation (ADF/VOR/TACAN)
- Visual circuits and approaches
- Aerobatics
- Formation flying
- Range weapons delivery
- Emergency procedures
- Handling practice in turbulence or mountain waves
- Seat-to-seat crew coordination
If you’re building skills that transfer to any fast jet module, this is one of the friendliest platforms.
You can turn each line into a mission. The mission Editor is your friend here from simple formation flying which is a lot harder than you think. Take on some low level flights with a leader and you as the wingman. The ground is ever present and the task is also challenging.
I hope sincerly you get the MB-339 and give it a trial as well as the available T-45 Goshawk because both jet trainers offer very different experiences in the air. I have been enjoying the training environment so much I haven’t been online for a while and that says something about the depth and challenges these two offer.
Ok, lets brief and go flying!
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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