AT63 Pampa
The newest version of the AT-63 Pampa was designed by Lockheed Martin for the Argentina Air Force for use as a training aircraft. Production of the Pampa is being completed in Argentina by Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina S.A. The first demonstrator aircraft was completed on December 15, 2004 and flight tests began on June 30, 2005. The original Pampa was the IA-63, manufactured by Lockheed in the late 1980’s.
Lockheed Martin had intended that the newer AT-63 would be an inexpensive trainer and light attack plane for Argentina and other countries with small military budgets. When Lockheed unveiled the trainer during the Paris Air Show on June 19, 2001, they had high hopes that many countries would express interest in the plane. Unfortunately for Lockheed, Argentina has been the only country to purchase the AT-63, and they’ve purchased only 12 of the aircraft to date.
The low-cost AT-63 Pampa has an integrated weapons system, mission computer, glass cockpit, and a modern avionics suite. The jet features dual controls for a student and optional instructor, and the cabin is fully pressurized. The ejection sequence can be pre-programmed and the one-piece canopy can be fragilized if an emergency occurs before the plane becomes airborne.
More information about the Lockheed Martin AT-63 is provided here:
Maximum level speed: 815 km per hour (440 KTAS)
Cruise speed at 30,000 feet: 650 km per hour (350 KTAS)
Stall speed: 152 km per hour (82 KCAS)
Takeoff run: 1,410 feet
Landing roll: 1,510 feet
Maximum climb: 5,120 feet per minute
Range: 1,140 nautical miles
Ceiling: 42,300 feet
Length: 14.49 feet
Wingspan: 31.78 feet
Height: 14.07 feet
Maximum weight: 11,038 pounds
Empty weight: 6,217 pounds
Engine(s): One Honeywell TFE-731-2C turbofan engine with 3,500 pounds of thrust
Crew: Two
Armament: Four under wing and one under fuselage weapons stations for air-to-air and air-to-ground light attack capability
Contractor: Lockheed Martin
References:
Lockheed Martin