Aermacchi

Aermacchi

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Aerospace, Motorcycle manufacturing
Founded	1 January 1912 (1912-01-01) in Varese, Italy
Founder	Giulio Macchi
Fate	Merged into Alenia Aermacchi (part of Leonardo)
Successor	Alenia Aermacchi
Headquarters	Varese , Italy
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Aircraft, Military trainers, Motorcycles
Owner	Leonardo (99%)
Parent	Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica)

Aermacchi was an Italian aircraft manufacturing company originally established in 1912 by Giulio Macchi in Varese, located in the north-western part of Lombardy. Initially named Nieuport-Macchi, the firm was created to produce Nieuport monoplanes under license for Italy’s military forces. Situated on the banks of Lake Varese, the factory specialized in constructing various Nieuport models as well as seaplanes.

Following World War II, the company diversified into motorcycle production to meet the growing demand for affordable and practical transportation during the post-war period.

Subsequently, Aermacchi focused on manufacturing training aircraft for both civilian and military pilots. In July 2003, it became part of the Finmeccanica Group (presently known as Leonardo) under the entity Alenia Aermacchi, with Leonardo increasing its ownership stake to 99%.

Military trainers

File:Aermacchi SF260.jpg

Aermacchi SF-260

File:EMB339.JPG

Frecce Tricolori MB-339A/PAN

File:Aermacchi M-346 (code MT55219) arrives RIAT Fairford 13July2017.jpg

Aermacchi M-346 advanced military trainer (code MT55219) at the 2017 RIAT, RAF Fairford

From its inception, designing and producing military trainer aircraft has remained a fundamental component of Alenia Aermacchi’s operations.

Key models include:

• SF-260, a primary trainer available with piston or turboprop engines
• MB-326, a turbojet-powered trainer capable of light attack roles
• M-311, a basic turbofan-powered trainer
• MB-339CD, an advanced and lead-in fighter trainer
• M-346, a next-generation advanced and lead-in fighter trainer

Military collaboration

Alenia Aermacchi has been actively involved in numerous international defense projects:

• AMX program:

In partnership with Alenia Aeronautica and Brazil’s Embraer, Alenia Aermacchi holds a 24% stake in this program. The company is responsible for designing and manufacturing both forward and rear fuselage sections, along with installing certain avionics systems. The Italian Air Force has initiated a Mid-Life Upgrade program to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities.

• Panavia Tornado program:

Alenia Aermacchi contributes to this project by engineering and producing components such as wing pylons, wing tips, roots, trailing edges, and flaps, accounting for approximately 5% of the overall program.

• Eurofighter program:

With over a 4% share in this multinational initiative, Alenia Aermacchi is involved in developing wing pylons, twin missile and twin store carriers, electronic countermeasure pods, carbon fiber structures, and titanium engine cowlings.

• C-27J program:

Following its participation in the earlier G-222 transport aircraft project, the company now plays a role in manufacturing outer wings for the Military Transport Aircraft C-27J Spartan.

Civil programs

Starting in the mid-1990s, Alenia Aermacchi has been involved in initiatives focused on supplying engine nacelles for commercial aircraft. The company manufactures the cold section components of engine nacelles, including inlets, fan cowls, and the EBU, which serves as the interface between the engine and its systems.

In 1999, Alenia Aermacchi formed a joint venture named MHD with Hurel-Dubois (now known as Hurel-Hispano, part of the SNECMA group). This French enterprise specializes in designing and producing thrust reversers, enabling full responsibility for developing nacelles used on aircraft with seating capacities up to 100 passengers.

World War I

• Macchi L.1 – reconnaissance flying boat based on a Lohner model
• Macchi L.2 – flying boat biplane derived from Lohner design
• Nieuport-Macchi N.VI – reconnaissance monoplane built under license from Nieuport, featuring local adaptations
• Nieuport-Macchi Parasol – parasol-wing observation monoplane developed from the Nieuport IV (1913)
• Nieuport-Macchi N.10 – fighter/reconnaissance sesquiplane produced under license from Nieuport 10, modified locally
• Nieuport-Macchi N.11 – fighter sesquiplane licensed from Nieuport 11, with regional adjustments
• Nieuport-Macchi N.17 – fighter sesquiplane built under license from Nieuport 17, incorporating local modifications
• Macchi M.3 – flying boat biplane introduced in 1916
• Macchi M.5 – flying boat fighter developed in 1917
• Macchi M.6 – prototype flying boat fighter (1917)
• Macchi M.7 – flying boat fighter launched in 1918
• Macchi M.8 – reconnaissance and bomber flying boat (1917)
• Macchi M.9 – flying boat bomber from 1918
• Macchi M.12 – flying boat bomber produced in 1918
• Macchi M.14 – sesquiplane fighter introduced in 1918
• Macchi M.15 – aircraft serving reconnaissance, bombing, and training roles (1918)

Interwar

• Nieuport-Macchi N.29 – biplane fighter manufactured under license from Nieuport-Delage NiD.29
• Macchi M.7bis – racing seaplane competing in the Schneider Trophy (1920)
• Macchi M.15bis – civil transport version seating three, adapted from the M.15 reconnaissance bomber and trainer (1922)
• Macchi M.16 – sport aircraft introduced in 1919
• Macchi M.17bis – Schneider Trophy racing seaplane (1922)
• Macchi M.18 – flying boat designed for passenger transport, bombing, and reconnaissance missions
• Macchi M.19 – racing seaplane participating in the Schneider Trophy (1920)
• Macchi M7ter – redesigned flying boat fighter based on the M.7 (1923)
• Macchi M.20 – civil trainer aircraft circa 1919
• Macchi M.24 – flying boat bomber developed in 1924
• Macchi M.26 – prototype flying boat fighter (1924)
• Macchi M.33 – Schneider Trophy racing seaplane from 1925
• Macchi M.39 – racing seaplane competing in the Schneider Trophy (1926)
• Macchi M.40 – reconnaissance seaplane introduced in 1928
• Macchi M.41 – flying boat fighter designed in 1927
• Macchi M.52 – racing seaplane for the Schneider Trophy (1927)
• Macchi M.52R – Schneider Trophy competition racing seaplane (1929)
• Macchi M.53 – reconnaissance floatplane launched in 1929
• Macchi M.67 – Schneider Trophy racing seaplane from 1929
• Macchi M.70 – light biplane capable of operating as landplane or floatplane (circa 1929)
• Macchi M.71 – flying boat fighter introduced in 1930
• Macchi M.C.72 – Schneider Trophy racing seaplane developed in 1931
• Macchi M.C.73 – two-seat touring aircraft
• Macchi M.C.94 – flying boat airliner produced in 1935
• Macchi M.C.100 – passenger flying boat launched in 1939
• Macchi M.C.200 Saetta – fighter aircraft introduced in 1939

World War II

• Macchi M.C.202 Folgore – fighter aircraft introduced in 1941
• Macchi M.C.205 Veltro – fighter model launched in 1942

Post-World War II

• Macchi M.B.308 – utility plane produced in 1948
• Macchi M.B.320 – light civil utility aircraft from 1949
• Macchi M.B.323 – trainer aircraft developed in 1952
• Aermacchi MB-326 – trainer and light attack aircraft introduced in 1957
• Aermacchi AL-60 – light civil utility plane produced in 1959
• Aermacchi SF.260 – aerobatic and military training aircraft launched in 1964
• Aermacchi MB-335 – original designation for the AM.3 model
• Aermacchi AM.3 – military utility aircraft from 1967
• Aermacchi MB-338 – trainer aircraft developed in the early 1970s
• Aermacchi MB-340 – light ground-attack aircraft introduced in the early 1970s
• Aermacchi MB-339 – trainer model released in 1976
• Aermacchi S-211 – trainer aircraft launched in 1981
• Aermacchi M-290 RediGO – training aircraft introduced in 1985
• Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master – trainer developed in 2004
• Alenia Aermacchi M-311 – training aircraft released in 2005

Motorcycles

A blue and cream-colored motorcycle

A 1957 Aermacchi Chimera displayed at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

1950s

Around 1951, Aermacchi commenced motorcycle production; their initial consumer model was a hybrid scooter/motorcycle named the 'Convertible'. It featured mainly enclosed mechanical components, an engine positioned beneath the saddle, footboards, a traditionally placed fuel tank, and wheels measuring approximately 17 inches.

In 1953, the 'Zeffiro' succeeded this model, offering either a 125 cc or 150 cc two-stroke engine. These versions incorporated enhanced suspension systems but retained a similar external design.

The year 1955 saw the introduction of the 125 cc Monsone and the 150 cc Corsaro, both equipped with pivoted fork rear suspension and telescopic front forks. These were still powered by two-stroke engines and operated with a four-speed gearbox.

By 1956, Aermacchi unveiled their first overhead valve four-stroke engine mounted horizontally on the Chimera, establishing a configuration that would become characteristic of the brand. The Chimera maintained many enclosed mechanical parts akin to earlier models.

In 1957, the company launched a lineup of sport motorcycles powered by single-cylinder overhead valve engines available in 175 cc or 250 cc displacements. Although scooter production continued, sales declined due to stiff competition from established brands like Vespa and Lambretta, prompting Aermacchi to focus exclusively on motorcycle manufacturing.

1960s and beyond

In 1960, Harley-Davidson acquired a half stake in Aermacchi's motorcycle division, creating 'Aermacchi-Harley-Davidson' for their Italian operations. The initial motorcycle under this partnership was a modified version of the 'Ala Verde', adapted for American consumers. Production of the Chimera ended that same year.

In 1974, the remaining motorcycle assets were sold to AMF-Harley-Davidson, with manufacturing continuing at Varese.

Eventually, ownership transferred to Cagiva in 1978.

Racing Legacy

Following the investment by Harley-Davidson, Aermacchi expanded into the racing arena with the introduction of the 250 cc Ala d'Oro, a production model tailored for road racing events. Initial outcomes were mixed; however, through continuous development over several years, the team achieved third place in the 350 cc World Championship in 1966 with rider Renzo Pasolini, and repeated this third-place finish in 1968 with Kelvin Carruthers. In the subsequent year, Carruthers also participated in the prestigious Isle of Man TT race.

A significant shift occurred in 1971 when Aermacchi’s chief engineer, Ing. William Soncini, designed a new line of twin-cylinder two-stroke racers available in 250cc and 350cc variants. The debut 250cc model was notable for its high performance, delivering 46 hp at 11,000 rpm while maintaining a weight of just 250 lbs. After Harley-Davidson assumed full ownership of Aermacchi in 1972, they invested further resources into racing advancements at the Aermacchi facility. These machines prominently featured Harley-Davidson branding on their fuel tanks. The two-stroke twin-cylinder racers brought Harley-Davidson its sole Grand Prix victories and secured four World Championships: the 250cc titles in 1974, 1975, and 1976, as well as the 350cc championship in 1976, all achieved with rider Walter Villa.

Partial Compilation of Motorcycle Models

• 250 Cross
• 350
• 500 Linto
• Ala Azzura
• Ala Bianca
• Ala d'Oro (Golden Wing) [1958–1961]
• Ala Rossa
• Ala Verde
• Biccindrico
• Chimera
• Convertible
• Corsaro
• Drixton
• Monsone
• Sprint 250
• Sprint 350
• Wisconsin 250
• Zeffiro

See also

• List of aircraft manufacturers
• List of Italian companies
• Harley-Davidson Baja 100 off-road motorcycle

External links

• Leonardo official website