Atlas Impala Mk I SAAF Trainer & ground Attack Aircraft

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The M.B-326M version was built for the South African Air Force in Italy and 40 unarmed aircraft were shipped to South Africa for training purposes. In 1966 production of the Impala Mk 1 was started and the Atlas Aircraft Corporation built 125 aircraft, with provision for externally-mounted armament. Seven of the M.B-326K versions, powered by a Viper 600 series engine were bought form Aermacchi as light attack aircraft and another 15 assembled form kits locally. A single seat version, the Impala Mk 2 was produced and locally manufactured in South Africa in 1974, completing a total of 78.

Because of the aircraft's ability to take off from relatively primitive airfields in rural areas, the South African Air Force had an edge in the air during conflicts. The South African Air Force used up to six 120 kg or four 250 kg bombs. The main armament consisted of 68 mm SNEB rocket-launchers and two 30 mm autocannons with 300 rounds. The single seat Impala Mk 2s were also sometimes armed with Matra R550 Magic air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The Impala Mk 2 operated at extreme ranges and had to fly very low, climbing only when enemy helicopters were seen at medium altitude. After each attack they had to return to low level to avoid interception by enemy Migs