FMA 1A58 Pucara

Serial Number: ZD485 (A-515)
Period: Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 83/AF/1159
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes

Named after a type of stone fortress built by early South Americans, the Pucara was designed to attack lightly-armed insurgents posing a potential threat to Argentina's military government. However, against a heavily-armed British force during the 1982 Falklands conflict, it was less than effective.

Development of the Pucara began in the mid-1960s, the first examples being delivered to the Fuerza Aere Argentina in 1976. Later that year, the aircraft flew its first missions against anti-government guerrillas. 108 were ordered in all, the last deliveries taking place in 1988. Three attack squadrons were initially equipped with the type and a limited number remained in service in 1994.

During the Argentine defence of the Falkland Islands, twenty-four Pucaras were despatched and made 186 sorties between them, including a number of rocket attacks. The only notable success however, was the downing of a Royal Marine Westland Scout helicopter (though the Pucara involved crashed shortly afterwards). Most of the others were immobilised on the ground by British forces. One was shot down by a Royal Navy Sea Harrier.

Five survived the war in reasonable condition and were shipped back to the UK. The aircraft displayed here was chosen for performance evaluation by the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down and was returned to flying condition during 1983.

• Send this image as a postcard
• Download full aircraft history (Adobe Reader Document, .pdf)