Aermacchi AM.3

The Aermacchi AM.3 is a house built by the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi in cooperation with the firm Aerfer aircraft.

History

Each of the two partners built a pre-production, the copy made ​​by Aermacchi started on May 12, 1967 first flight, the machine of Aerfer followed on 22 August 1968.

The original three -seater and designated as AM.3C machine was built in the hope that the Italian army would opt for this machine as a successor to the Cessna previously used as an observation and liaison aircraft L-19.

According to your task, the machine has a large windows all round. Two crew members found in the front of the cabin next to each other, the AM.3C has a dual control. Behind the front seats there is a single seat, but can easily be removed to create extra storage space.

Ultimately, however, remained at first from the hoped-for series commissioned by the Italian military, as it had chosen the competitive model SIAI - Marchetti SM.1019.

Nevertheless, a third prototype was made ​​, this time with one manufactured by Piaggio under license Lycoming piston engine instead of the Continental GTSIO -520 -C, who had driven the first two prototypes.

Finally, in September 1970, it was due to an order of the air force of South Africa to a series production. The machines, specially modified for the needs of South Africa, the term Aermacchi AM.3CM " Bosbok " received ( bushbuck ). This version had two-seater with standard devices for external loads, as the Bosbok should be used as a light ground attack aircraft. A total of 40 machines have been delivered to December 1975. In addition, three Aermacchi AM.3 were delivered to the Air Force of Rwanda.

Construction

The Aermacchi AM3.C is a single-engine high -wing monoplane of all-metal construction. The hull is made ​​of mixed fiber from some blechbeplankten, some plastic lined chrome - moly tubing. The connected by snap closures to the fuselage wings are each supported by a strut to the fuselage, the tail unit is designed cantilevered.

The non- retractable landing gear consists of two shock absorbers and a steerable tail wheel öl-/luftgefederten.

Military user

Specifications

With an output of 254 kW ( 345 hp )

Two 7.62 mm machine gun or a General Electric Minigun or six 70 - mm rockets or an anti-tank missile or a 113 -kg bomb