Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: Argentina
Type: Trainer Aircraft
Manufacturer: Fábrica Militar de Aviones, Dornier Flugzeugekraft
FMA IA-63 Pampa Aircraft Overview
The FMA IA-63 Pampa is a high-performance trainer and light attack aircraft developed and manufactured by Argentina’s Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA). It was designed to meet the training needs of the Argentine Air Force and other air forces around the world.
The IA-63 Pampa features a sleek and streamlined design with a low-wing configuration and tandem seating for the instructor and trainee pilot. It is powered by a turbofan engine, which provides excellent performance and maneuverability.
The primary role of the IA-63 Pampa is to train military pilots in advanced jet flight and combat tactics. It offers a wide range of training capabilities, including simulated weapons systems, advanced avionics, and flight controls that mimic the characteristics of modern combat aircraft.
In addition to its training role, the Pampa can also be equipped with external stores, such as rockets, bombs, and gun pods, enabling it to perform light attack missions. This flexibility makes it a versatile aircraft capable of adapting to different operational requirements.
The IA-63 Pampa has gained international recognition and has been exported to various countries for their pilot training programs. Its advanced features, performance capabilities, and cost-effectiveness have made it a popular choice among air forces seeking a reliable and efficient trainer aircraft.
The FMA IA-63 Pampa represents Argentina’s expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced trainer aircraft, showcasing the country’s commitment to aviation training and technology.
FMA IA-63 Pampa Specifications
- Crew: 2 members
- Length: 10.93 meters (35 feet 10 inches)
- Wingspan: 9.69 meters (31 feet 9 inches)
- Height: 4.29 meters (14 feet 1 inch)
- Wing Area: 15.63 square meters (168.2 square feet)
- Airfoil Type: Dornier DoA-7
- Empty Weight: 2,821 kilograms (6,219 pounds)
- Gross Weight: 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,000 kilograms (11,023 pounds)
- Engine: Powered by a single Honeywell TFE731-2-2N turbofan engine producing 15.57 kN (3,500 lbf) of thrust
FMA IA-63 Pampa Performance
- Maximum Speed: 819 km/h (509 mph, 442 knots) at an altitude of 7,000 meters (23,000 feet)
- Cruise Speed: 747 km/h (464 mph, 403 knots) at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet)
- Never Exceed Speed: Mach 0.81 at 9,500 meters (31,200 feet)
- Range: 1,500 kilometers (930 miles, 810 nautical miles)
- Service Ceiling: 12,900 meters (42,300 feet)
- Climb Rate: 30.2 meters per second (5,940 feet per minute)
FMA IA-63 Pampa Armament
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Guns:
- 1 × 30 mm (1.18 in) DEFA-Giat 554 cannon with 145 rounds
- 4 × 7.62 mm Colibri gun pods
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Hardpoints: 5, with a total payload capacity of:
- 400 kg (880 lb) on the inboard underwing pylons
- 250 kg (550 lb) on the fuselage centerline and outer wing pylons
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Missiles:
- LAU-32/51 rocket pods
- LAU-10 rocket pods
- ARM-657 Mamboretá rocket pods
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Bombs:
- Mk81/Mk82 general-purpose bombs
- CBLS 200 practice bombs