The Pucará Story

Book excerpt: The Argentine designed and built IA-58 Pucará light attack aircraft was developed in the late 1960s in response to a requirement drawn up by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (Argentine Air Force). After a long developmental period the design went into series production in 1974. The aircraft remains in active service to this day, with the FAA and with several foreign air forces. Best known for its involvement in the Malvinas conflict (Falklands war) in 1982, the Pucará remains an effective and much appreciated warplane. This book tells the full story of the design, development and operational use of the Pucará, including the many upgrades and redesigns tested and planned at various stages. Based on access to Argentine air force sources and archives, and discussions with serving and former Pucará crew, this is the first English-language book to describe this iconic aircraft in such detail. Fully illustrated with many photos, plans, and color profiles, this is an essential book for any aircraft enthusiast and historian.