The complex startup procedure requires using the in-game checklist. Unlike Carenado planes, this aircraft does include a checklist. But it’s worth it once the plane is started. Takeoff is easy, and the aircraft’s jet engine is powerful and the plane is very fast! Another benefit is that if you are too high, you can point the nose of the aircraft towards the ground and drop like a rock without damaging the airframe, indeed without impacting airspeed much if you reduce throttle. You can also fly upside down.
If you are used to GA aircraft, it could take 30 minutes or several hours to get from Point A to Point B. The MB-339 makes the trip so fast that you hardly have time between climbing and descending. Landing can be tricky, but the in-game checklists offer a good strategy. Throttle down to 275kts, then use the speed brake. Once the speed reduces below 150kts, start using flaps. On approach and low altitude, lower the landing gear as well.
While in landing configuration speed management is essential. I found that in order to butter the landing you need to throttle up if your descent rate is too high, and travel parallel to the runway. Longer runways are better. It takes practice, though this is a jet trainer so that is kind of the point.
Conclusion
The Aermacchi MB-339 is very unique in the simulator and it is a must-buy for anyone looking for an aircraft with the handling and character of a jet fighter. The price is lower than the Carenado aircraft, which is surprising because the quality is very high!
Found speed brake lever control on throttle but doesn’t seem to function with mouse. Can’t seem to find a reference in flight controls in this sim to assign it to something either. Please advise.
On my Saitek X52 pro, I’ve bind it to the slider on the throttle… and… if you want to use your mouse in the cockpit, hover it over the knob wheel on the throttle and use the scroll wheel…
Yes, “spoilers” was the right reference. Set mine on the throttle control and also works with the mouse wheel inside. Keyboard options there too. Spoiler located underbelly of fuselage and does the trick. Looking forward to more small jets, especially fighters.
AFAIK there is no AP. The buttons you are referencing are only the flight director. i.e. it will tell you where to point, but not point in that direction for you.
The MB-339 works pretty well on my Xbox, apart from some strange behaviour of the Autopilot buttons in the Cockpit. But keybinding worked for them.
Not sure if it was me or one the button quirks we have since SimUpdate 5.
I’m totally not into fighter jets, so I won’t give any more comments about it. (I bought this one on PC in Marketplace a long time ago).
On Orbx it’s priced in Aussie bucks, 40 of them which is about €24-25. Also that’d be with taxes added for me (UK so 20%), might vary for you and Orbx won’t show the total price including taxes until you actually make an account there I think. IndiaFoxtEcho MB-339 - Orbx
On the in game marketplace I have no clue, just load it up the sim and look for it I guess. Although if you do buy from the marketplace you’ll have to put up with the limitations of very slow updates.
