Aermacchi AM.3
| Aermacchi AM.3 | |
|---|---|
 Aermacchi AM.3CM from the National Test Pilot School , Mojave California |
|
| Type: | Reconnaissance plane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
May 12, 1967 |
| Number of pieces: |
> 40 |
The Aermacchi AM.3 is an aircraft built by the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi in collaboration with the Aerfer company .
history
Each of the two cooperation partners built a pre-series machine, the model manufactured by Aermacchi took off on its maiden flight on May 12, 1967, and the Aerfer machine followed on August 22, 1968.
The originally three-seat machine, known as the AM.3C , was built in the hope that the Italian army would choose this machine as the successor to the Cessna L-19 , which was previously used as an observation and liaison aircraft .
According to its task, the machine has extensive all-round glazing. Two crew members can be seated next to each other in the front part of the cabin, the AM.3C has double controls . There is a single seat behind the front seats, but it can easily be removed to create additional storage space.
Ultimately, however, the hoped-for series production order from the Italian military failed to materialize because they had opted for the competing model SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019 .
Nevertheless, a third prototype was produced, this time with a Lycoming boxer engine manufactured under license by Piaggio instead of the Continental GTSIO-520-C, which had powered the first two prototypes.
In September 1970 , due to an order from the South African Air Force, series production finally started . The machines, specially modified for the needs of South Africa, were given the designation Aermacchi AM.3CM "Bosbok" (bushbuck) . This version was a two-seater with standard devices for external loads, since the Bosbok should also be used as a light ground attack aircraft. A total of 40 machines had been delivered by December 1975. In addition, three Aermacchi AM.3s were delivered to the Rwandan Air Force .
construction
The Aermacchi AM3.C is a single-engine high- wing aircraft in all-metal construction. The fuselage consists of a mixed construction of partly sheet - metal , partly plastic - clad chrome-molybdenum tubes. The wings, which are connected to the fuselage by quick-release fasteners, are each supported by a strut on the fuselage, the tail unit is self-supporting.
The non-retractable landing gear consists of two oil / air-sprung shock absorbers and a steerable tail wheel.
Military users
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Technical specifications
| Aermacchi AM.3C | |
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| length | 8.73 m |
| height | 2.72 m |
| Wingspan | 12.64 m |
| Wing area | 20.26 m² |
| Empty weight | 1,080 kg |
| Max. Weight in flight (armed) | 1,700 kg |
| drive | an air-cooled Piaggio-Lycoming GSO-480B1B6 6-cylinder boxer engine with an output of 254 kW (345 PS) |
| Top speed at approx. 2,450 m above sea level | 278 km / h |
| Cruising speed at approx. 2,450 m altitude | 246 km / h |
| Range | 990 km |
| Service ceiling | 8,400 m |
| Take-off / landing route | 85 m / 66 m |
| Armament | External loads up to 170 kg or two 7.62mm machine guns or |
| crew | Max. 3 |
