The g91 and mb339 were PAN models. They are using newer models of the 339 because they are available due to lower training requirements and they have less hours and stress on the airframe.
No they are not. The G.91 were PANs, the MB.339 never have been and, in light of their fast approaching retirement, never will be.
Take a look at this picture and tell me what it says on the back of the plane: http://www.airliners.net/photo/2206667/L/
Erwin
Edit: before you say that the above is a new one, here is another: http://www.airliners.net/photo/2111566/L/
This one was a Frecce at Koksijde in 1991 already, so hardly a new one.
That's a good one. Most sources state them as MB-339PAN and some as MB-339A/PAN. However in case of the latter why isn't it painted on the aircraft. F-104S-ASA-M was mentioned fully on those Starfighters. Would be interesting to see how the Italian AF documents this.
I can tell you, they never have been PANs. During a visit to Frecce at Rivolto in 1994 the guys there already told us they are 'just' As. The only modifications are the removal of the tiptanks (modular anyway) and a small tube in the exhaust to spit out the oil for the smoke. Other than that, the birds are like all other MB.339As. In fact, they have always had MB.339A painted on them (since the first time I saw them in 1991 at least), never, ever have I seen MB.339PAN or MB.339A/PAN painted on one. So as far as I am concerned, that is just an error that everybody has copied since and apparantly nobody has ever bothered to read the type of the freaking plane itself. Makes you also wonder how many of the quoted serials are in fact just copied....
Erwin is right! Few years ago I visited Lecce and the pilots (and groundcrew) told us that 'PAN' was never used by either Italian Air Force, nor the pilots and crew for the Frecce MB.339's. Most likely the story behind is that (Italian?) aircraft moddeling enthusiasts have brought this to the world..... hence the fact that the G.91 did officialy received that PAN designation!
About the news.
I google translate the Italian news. And I believe it is not quiet sure the M.345 will be ordered.
Edit: although it is on the Air Foce site now as well http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/News/P ... 40913.aspx
An order for about 12-15 aircraft is needed just for Frecce. if they remain flying with 10 aircraft.
With the 6 M.346/T-346 on order for the airforce. Less need for aircraft training and a lot of quiet new MB.339's available it is strange to order an other type. Although with the Italians with their Italian products you never know
