Aircraft Argentina Fabrica (Fadea)

As the first stop we went to Hangar facilities where it is carrying out the modernization program and Link Transport Aircraft (MATE) for the Air Force Argentina. While in the same 3 Fokker F-27 aircraft in various degrees of modification. TC-75 in the initial process, TC-71 in the middle of work and T-41 in the final. Besides these 3 devices was also a Fokker F-28. Alejandro Cavanillas Engineer gave us a description of the different levels of program implementation with the importance of this work back the possibility that these aircraft operating in civilian airports throughout the world, the limitations issue prior to the amendment was forbidden.

Later we spent the second hangar, which was the C-130H Hercules registration TC-64, which unpainted metal regained its original color. Which was out of completion had been cannibalized to support the rest of the fleet recently began regularized recovery work and commissioning which will take quite some time. In the third hangar the C-130H, registration TC-66, in its final stage in the cycle of maintenance and overhaul, which promptly tackles the Antarctic campaign. You may notice a strong work in this aircraft from FADEA staff in their wings, structure and magazines, almost to the guts of the device attempting to leave the factory in November.

Finally we arrived at Hangar 90, main nave Argentina Aircraft Factory. A single view we could see IA-58 Pucara. IA-63 Pampa, Mentor and T-34 Tucano EMB-312 at different stages of their respective jobs. In this pavilion include Pampa 9 cells (from a total of 18 contractors) and 2 original cells, including the EX-03 is being amended to incorporate the motor Honeywell TFE-731-40-2N, all part of contracts 06 and 09. A single view can be seen the marks of “experimental”in this power plant, we have explained that the cone cylinder engine and interior were made in FADEA, with a cast in a particular way to produce the perfect driving cold air and hot, providing improved performance and increased engine power.

Then Natali Engineer, Project Manager Pucara, in an open dialogue explains that under the contract 10, IA-58 update, you make the change of IFF equipment, ELT, UHF and VHF with inertial navigation and GPS altimeter . Outside was the first Pucará modified, the second being amended with 5 cells in the main hangar, still in its initial phase the changes to the draft. FADEA is currently analyzing the Repowering of Pucara, which has come to the conclusion that there are 2 models that meet the conditions and capacities required, the Honeywell TPE-331 (the same who once was the propulsion plant version of IA-66) and Pratt & Whitney PT-6. Monday October 18 after an exhaustive analysis, we present the findings to the Ministry of Defense and the Air Force claimed by Argentina FADEA engine, a decision which the Ministry and the Force take on their own. To address concerns the definition of a name for these IA-58 modified, in some places called “Pucara NG or Next Generation” or “Super Pucara, Engineer Natali strongly denied even unaware of such expressions. He says that there are contacts with Uruguay for the modification of the IA-58 in service from the Uruguayan Air Force, in its communication and navigation systems, but without making a Repowering of them.