Revived Argentina aerospace firm delivers first project

 

photo Francisco Infante

25/07/11 By Stephen Trimble SOURCE:Flight International

One year after its revival, Argentina's state-owned aerospace manufacturer has announced delivery of its first major project to the national air force.

On 8 July, Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) handed over an IA-58 Pucura counter-insurgency aircraft with a new set of maintenance upgrades.

It is the first step in a series of moves to upgrade the maintenance, communications, navigation and engines for the IA-58 fleet, which is entering its fifth decade of service.

The project is also the first step in the government's attempted revival of a domestic aerospace industry. The IA-58 work re-establishes core operations of FAdeA, along with a similar programme involving the IA-63 trainer fleet.

Beyond those projects there are plans to further strengthen FAdeA and the company has launched development of a new jet trainer with Chile the IA-73.

Argentina has also committed to join the Embraer KC-390 twin-jet airlifter programme. The arrangement includes a deal allowing FAdeA to supply spoilers, flap fairings, tail cone, and electronic cabinet and doors for the nose landing gear and ramp for all KC-390s.

FAdeA was revived after the Argentinian government re-nationalised the company after a 15-year ownership by Lockheed Martin. The company traces its roots to 1927, when the former Fabrica Militar de Aviones began building European aircraft under licence.