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The Aermacchi MB-326 is a two tandem seater, straight low-winged single-engined, light military jet trainer designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacture Aermacchi. The all-metal MB-326 was robust, light, simple and economical to build and fly. The SAAF received the first 40 Italian-built aircraft, in kit form; these were assembled at AFB Ysterplaat. South Africa obtained a license to produce the MB-326M, as the Impala Mk I in 1964 with production starting in 1966 with Atlas Aircraft Corporation building 125 additional aircraft locally.The Impala Mk I was involved in the day-to-day training of pilots, and were used by the Silver Falcons aerobatic team fitted with smoke generators, to replace Vampire ‘Bumbling Bees’ aerobatic team. Each leader seemed to favour the aircraft. Impala 460 was test-flown in May 1966 and officially handed over to the SAAF on 3 June 1966. Cmdt Chris Prins he flew it during the first show in 1967..
After 460 was retired from the Silver Falcons it served as a trainer and was then withdrawn from service (May 2001 ?), it was then flown by Cmdt Pierre du Plessis, with Col ‘Lappies’ Labuschagne as passenger, from Langebaanweg to Ysterplaat where Col Chris Prins received it and handed it to the SAAF Museum, Ysterplaat. Atlas MB326M Impala 531 was towed from within the Security Area to its final resting place on a newly built concrete and metal pedestal on the grass at the SAAF Museum at AFB Ysterplaat.
To see this boat and 15 aircraft visit the South African Air Force Museum on any Saturday, situated in Piet Grobler Street, just off Koeberg Road, Ysterplaat. If not sure where we are, then best is to Google ‘SAAF Museum, Ysterplaat’, and it will take you directly to the museum. When passing through the base gate drive directly forward, the museum will be in front of you, but you will have to turn left and go around to the right to take you to the parking area. Contact Norman on 0836981943, if you have a problem. If on Saturday please phone as it will be too busy to read messages.
The museum is open for visitors of all ages, from 09h00 till 14h00, every Saturday. Please note the hangars in the security area on the base closes at 13h30. There is plenty to eat, the best boerie rolls and burgers, as well as liquid refreshments. We are card and wheelchair friendly!
Anyone who is free on Saturday mornings and bored at home, we'd love for you to volunteer. We have many activities, such as restoration, braaing, and running our sales.
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Ysterplaat, Western Cape, South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.