FMA IA 58 Pucará
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
| First flight | 8 November 1974 |
| Year of introduction | 1976 |
| Number produced | 110 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
Description
The FMA IA 58 Pucará is a military aircraft developed by the Argentinean company, Fabrica Militar de Aviones (FMA). It was designed as a close air support aircraft for counterinsurgency and ground attack missions. The development of the Pucará began in the late 1960s, with the aircraft's first flight taking place in 1969. It features a twin-engine turboprop configuration and is specifically built to operate in rugged terrain and extreme environmental conditions. The Pucará has been deployed by the Argentine Air Force in various conflicts, including the Falklands War, where it demonstrated its capability to provide effective air support to ground forces.
Technical specifications
| Version: IA 58 Pucará | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Operational range | 350 km (217 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 500 km/h (311 mph) |
| Wing area | 30.3 m² (326.1 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 14.5 m (47.6 ft) |
| Height | 5.4 m (17.6 ft) |
| Length | 14.3 m (46.8 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 10000 m (32808 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4020 kg (8863 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6800 kg (14991 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turboprops Turbomeca Astazou XVIG delivering 729 kW |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 6 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the IA 58 Pucará in 2024.
Photo of IA 58 Pucará
