Argentina re-engines Pucara

摘要

The Fuerza Aerea Argentina (FAA/Argentine Air Force) intends to retire its FMAIA-58A Pucara attack aircraft in September 2019. However, work continues on an upgrade of the type variously known as the IA-58D Pucara Delta or IA-58H. The Pucara prototype, AX-561, first flew in its new configuration with wings supplied by Israeli Aircraft Industries and Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-62 engines replacing its original Turbomeca Astazou XVIG engines (a type no longer available) in November 2015. Work began anew in 2018 but progress stalled until June this year when it was decided to finish certification of the type by the end of July this year. If the money can be found it is hoped the 'new' Pucara could, if accepted in October, be resurrected to carry on for years to come.