North American Northrop 8A-2. Photo LIFE Magazine.
Northrop Model 8A-2
Model 8A-2 Version for Argentina. Fitted with fixed undercarriage, ventral gun position and powered by 840 hp (626 kW) Wright R-1820-G3 Cyclone. 30 built. The Northrop A-17, a development of the Northrop Gamma 2F was a two seat, single engine, monoplane, attack bomber built in 1935 by the Northrop Corporation for the US Army Air Corps. Wikipedia.
Wright Cyclone R-1820-E. Smithsonian Air Space Museum. D.C.
North American NA-16
Curtiss Hawk 75 H
The North American Aviation NA-16 was the first trainer aircraft built by North American Aviation, Inc. and was the beginning of a line of North American trainer aircraft that would number more than 17,000 examples.
Developed into North American BT-9
T-6 Texan
North American P-64
CAC Wirraway
The NA-16 was a single engine, low-wing monoplane with tandem seating in open cockpits and fixed landing gear. A Wright Whirlwind radial air-cooled engine of 400 hp powered the aircraft. While it was mostly of metal construction, the rear fuselage was fabric covered.
Developed into North American BT-9
T-6 Texan
North American P-64
CAC Wirraway
The NA-16 was a single engine, low-wing monoplane with tandem seating in open cockpits and fixed landing gear. A Wright Whirlwind radial air-cooled engine of 400 hp powered the aircraft. While it was mostly of metal construction, the rear fuselage was fabric covered.
Curtiss Hawk 75
Gloster Meteor F4
100 were exported to Argentina (and saw action on both sides in the 1955 revolution, one being lost on 19 September 1955.
Argentine Air Force ordered 50 F.4s in May 1947, comprising 50 ex-RAF aircraft and 50 newly built, Deliveries started in July that year,the Meteor remaining in service until 1970, when the last examples were replaced by Dassault Mirage IIIs.
Argentine Air Force ordered 50 F.4s in May 1947, comprising 50 ex-RAF aircraft and 50 newly built, Deliveries started in July that year,the Meteor remaining in service until 1970, when the last examples were replaced by Dassault Mirage IIIs.
In 1947, under the post-war Labour government (but within the context of the Anglo-Argentine trade relations established during Churchill's wartime leadership), Argentina became the first export customer for the Gloster Meteor.
A nearly-bankrupt Britain agreed to sell 100 Gloster Meteor jet fighters to Perón’s government in part to repay debts incurred during World War II. During the war, Argentina had served as a "neutral breadbasket," supplying essential beef and grain to the UK.
Evading U.S. Influence:
The sale was a strategic move by the British to divert Argentine military preferences away from American-made equipment, especially after the U.S. had rebuffed Perón's attempts to buy arms.
The Deal:
After World War II, Britain was virtually bankrupt and owed Argentina a massive debt for essential food supplies (primarily beef and grain) provided during the war.
Argentina received 50 ex-RAF Meteor F.4s and 50 newly built models, along with a license to produce Rolls-Royce Derwent 5 jet engines domestically in Córdoba.
Internal Conflict: Ironically, the same aircraft Perón bought were later used against him. During the 1955 Liberating Revolution that overthrew him, Gloster Meteors were flown by both loyalist forces and rebels. Loyalists marked their planes with "PV" (Perón Victory), while rebels used a cross over a "V" with the legend "Cristo Vence" (Christ Wins).
A nearly-bankrupt Britain agreed to sell 100 Gloster Meteor jet fighters to Perón’s government in part to repay debts incurred during World War II. During the war, Argentina had served as a "neutral breadbasket," supplying essential beef and grain to the UK.
Evading U.S. Influence:
The sale was a strategic move by the British to divert Argentine military preferences away from American-made equipment, especially after the U.S. had rebuffed Perón's attempts to buy arms.
The Deal:
After World War II, Britain was virtually bankrupt and owed Argentina a massive debt for essential food supplies (primarily beef and grain) provided during the war.
Argentina received 50 ex-RAF Meteor F.4s and 50 newly built models, along with a license to produce Rolls-Royce Derwent 5 jet engines domestically in Córdoba.
Internal Conflict: Ironically, the same aircraft Perón bought were later used against him. During the 1955 Liberating Revolution that overthrew him, Gloster Meteors were flown by both loyalist forces and rebels. Loyalists marked their planes with "PV" (Perón Victory), while rebels used a cross over a "V" with the legend "Cristo Vence" (Christ Wins).
Bristol F.2B
Military and civilian aircraft in 1948. Source: "La Aeronautica Nacional al servicio del pais"
Avro-Lancaster
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Cargo Aircraft Vickers "Vickings"
Bristol Type 170 Freighter
 Douglas DC-4
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 De Havilland "Dove"
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Canberra Mk 62
In Argentina, the English Electric Canberra B Mk 2 served under the local designation B Mk 62. Following a contract signed in late 1967, Argentina acquired ten ex-RAF B Mk 2 bombers and two T Mk 4 trainers to replace their aging Avro Lincolns and Lancasters.
Contract: Argentina ordered 10 refurbished B Mk 2 aircraft and 2 T Mk 4 trainers in 1967.
Delivery: The first three aircraft arrived on November 17, 1970. The rest were delivered between 1970 and 1971.
Designation: The refurbished B Mk 2 bombers were redesignated as B Mk 62, while the trainers became T Mk 64.
They were operated primarily by Grupo de Bombardeo 2 based at Paraná.
Argentine B Mk 62s featured unique modifications, including the ability to deploy chaff and flares (partially using improvised systems) and a different ordinance selection compared to standard British versions.
The "Pelican" Radar:
Some aircraft were fitted with a nose radar known as "Pelican," which reportedly caused handling issues during engine-out scenarios.
Combat History (1982 Falklands War)
The Canberra was a frontline asset for Argentina during the conflict with the UK:
Missions: They flew approximately 54 sorties, including 36 bombing missions, primarily conducted at night to avoid air defenses.
Losses: Two aircraft were lost in combat:
B-110: Shot down by a Sea Harrier's AIM-9L Sidewinder on May 1, 1982.
B-108: Shot down by a Sea Dart missile from HMS Cardiff on June 13, 1982, at an altitude of 39,000 feet.
Last Sortie: A Canberra (serial B-109) conducted the last Argentine combat mission of the war on June 13, 1982.
In Argentina, the English Electric Canberra B Mk 2 served under the local designation B Mk 62. Following a contract signed in late 1967, Argentina acquired ten ex-RAF B Mk 2 bombers and two T Mk 4 trainers to replace their aging Avro Lincolns and Lancasters.
Contract: Argentina ordered 10 refurbished B Mk 2 aircraft and 2 T Mk 4 trainers in 1967.
Delivery: The first three aircraft arrived on November 17, 1970. The rest were delivered between 1970 and 1971.
Designation: The refurbished B Mk 2 bombers were redesignated as B Mk 62, while the trainers became T Mk 64.
They were operated primarily by Grupo de Bombardeo 2 based at Paraná.
Argentine B Mk 62s featured unique modifications, including the ability to deploy chaff and flares (partially using improvised systems) and a different ordinance selection compared to standard British versions.
The "Pelican" Radar:
Some aircraft were fitted with a nose radar known as "Pelican," which reportedly caused handling issues during engine-out scenarios.
Combat History (1982 Falklands War)
The Canberra was a frontline asset for Argentina during the conflict with the UK:
Missions: They flew approximately 54 sorties, including 36 bombing missions, primarily conducted at night to avoid air defenses.
Losses: Two aircraft were lost in combat:
B-110: Shot down by a Sea Harrier's AIM-9L Sidewinder on May 1, 1982.
B-108: Shot down by a Sea Dart missile from HMS Cardiff on June 13, 1982, at an altitude of 39,000 feet.
Last Sortie: A Canberra (serial B-109) conducted the last Argentine combat mission of the war on June 13, 1982.
Survivors models
Argentine Air Force received 27 Model 139W/WAA aircraft.
The only surviving complete B-10 is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft is painted as a B-10 used in the 1934 Alaskan Flight. It was an export version sold to Argentina in 1938.
The aircraft survived as a ground crew trainer, and was still being used by the Argentine Air Force for training its ground crews as late as the 1960s. The Air Force Museum conducted an exhaustive search for any surviving B-10 remains, and eventually learned of the aircraft. In 1970, the incomplete airframe was donated by the Government of Argentina to the U.S. Government in a formal ceremony attended by the U.S. ambassador.
The aircraft was restored by the 96th Maintenance Squadron (Mobile), Air Force Reserve, at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, in 1973-1976, and placed on display in 1976.
Wikipedia
The aircraft survived as a ground crew trainer, and was still being used by the Argentine Air Force for training its ground crews as late as the 1960s. The Air Force Museum conducted an exhaustive search for any surviving B-10 remains, and eventually learned of the aircraft. In 1970, the incomplete airframe was donated by the Government of Argentina to the U.S. Government in a formal ceremony attended by the U.S. ambassador.
The aircraft was restored by the 96th Maintenance Squadron (Mobile), Air Force Reserve, at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, in 1973-1976, and placed on display in 1976.
Wikipedia
1945 - Engineers, designers, test pilots, advisors, industrialists of the newly created Argentine Air Force.
From left to right: Werner Baumbach, Hans-Ulrich Rudel and Adolf Galland; the first instructors of the Argentine Air Force, created by Juan D. Peron.
After World War II, Werner Baumbach, Hans-Ulrich Rudel, and Adolf Galland all found a second home in Argentina under the government of Juan Perón. They were part of a larger group of German experts recruited to modernize the Argentine Air Force and aviation industry.
The three aviators worked as military advisors to the Argentine Air Ministry and the Air Force starting in the late 1940s. They were often associated with Kurt Tank, the former Focke-Wulf designer, who was building advanced jet prototypes like the Pulqui II in Córdoba.
Werner Baumbach (Bomber Expert): Acted as a specialized advisor on V-weapons and bomber tactics. Worked as a test pilot for the Argentine Air Force. Death: He died in a plane crash on October 20, 1953, near Berazategui while evaluating a British Lancaster bomber for Argentina.
Werner Baumbach was testing the PAT-1 (Proyectil Argentino Teledirigido - 1). While working as an adviser on V-weapons for the Argentine Air Ministry, Baumbach served as a test pilot for newly developed military technologies.
The PAT-1 was an Argentine-made guided missile designed for air-to-sea strikes, heavily influenced by German World War II technology like the Henschel Hs 293.
The Fatal Crash. Baumbach died on October 20, 1953, during a test flight involving this missile system.
The Aircraft: He was piloting a modified British Avro Lancaster bomber (registration B-036) being used as a launch platform for the PAT-1. The plane crashed into the Río de la Plata, approximately 6 km off the coast of Berazategui, after an engine failure shortly after takeoff. Baumbach, flight engineer Karl Heinrich, and Argentine officer Iván Viola were killed.
The Dardo missile (such as the Dardo II) is a much more modern Argentine stand-off weapon developed decades later, though it represents the continuation of the guided-missile research that Baumbach helped pioneer in Argentina during the late 1940s and early 50s.
..............................................................................
Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Stuka Ace): Arrived in 1948 and became a close confidant and military advisor to President Perón.
Founded the "Kameradenwerk," a relief organization that assisted high-ranking Nazis (including Josef Mengele) in escaping to Latin America. Used his influence to recruit skilled German technicians for Argentine industry.
He was instrumental in teaching close air support tactics to Argentine pilots. The focus on ground-attack missions that the Argentine Air Force displayed decades later in the Falklands (specifically using the IA-58 Pucará) is often traced back to the "Stuka" philosophy Rudel instilled.
Despite having lost a leg in the war, Rudel became a famous figure in Argentine sports, frequently competing in mountain climbing (he climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, multiple times) and skiing in Bariloche. This "superman" image helped him maintain a high social profile in the German-Argentine community.
After Perón was deposed in 1955, he moved to Paraguay
Post-Perón Exile: When Perón was overthrown in 1855, Rudel moved to Paraguay, where he became an advisor to dictator Alfredo Stroessner. He continued to travel back to Argentina as an arms representative for German companies.
Hans-Ulrich Rudel’s influence in Argentina wasn't just about his "Stuka" fame; it was about his hands-on evaluation of local aircraft like the I.Ae. 24 Calquín and his later impact on American "tank-buster" philosophy.
Rudel flight-tested the Calquín and provided critical feedback on its handling and potential as a ground-attack (Close Air Support) platform. While he praised its maneuverability, he noted it was underpowered (it used Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines instead of the high-performance Merlins). His input helped Argentine pilots adapt the plane for the rugged "anti-guerrilla" and border-patrol roles it would serve until the 1960s.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II (The "Warthog") Connection
This is one of the most fascinating "90/10" intersections of history: the world's greatest Stuka pilot influencing the world's most famous modern ground-attack jet.
In the 1960s and 70s, as the U.S. Air Force was developing the A-X program (which became the A-10), they consulted Rudel. The designers of the A-10 wanted to understand how the Stuka survived and killed tanks in the high-threat environment of the Eastern Front. Rudel advocated for:
The plane had to be able to fly with half its tail or one engine blown off. He emphasized the "titanium bathtub" to protect the pilot from ground fire. Rudel helped validate the idea that a massive, slow-firing cannon (like the A-10's GAU-8 Avenger) was the most effective way to kill armored columns.
.....................................................................
Adolf Galland (Fighter Ace Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Me 262 jet): Invited by Perón in 1948 to serve as a consultant and instructor for the Argentine Air Force. Flew British Gloster Meteor jets while training young Argentine pilots. He returned to West Germany in 1955.
The Meteor Mentor: Galland arrived in 1948 and was tasked with training pilots for Argentina’s new fleet of 100 Gloster Meteors—making Argentina the first country in Latin America to operate jet fighters. He reportedly said the Argentine pilots had "natural talent" but lacked the disciplined doctrine of the Luftwaffe.
He developed the "Galland Plan," a strategic overhaul of the FAA that focused on decentralized command and rapid interception. This doctrine of "aggressive defense" remained part of the FAA curriculum for decades and was put to the ultimate test during the Air War in the Falklands in 1982.
The "Pulqui II" Test Pilot: Galland worked closely with Kurt Tank at the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) in Córdoba. He flight-tested the IAe 33 Pulqui II, a swept-wing jet prototype that was technically superior to many contemporary designs. Galland personally flew the jet during public demonstrations for Perón.
Social Life & Departure: Unlike Rudel, Galland was a socialite. He was a regular at the Jockey Club in Buenos Aires and was known for his cigars and mustache. He kept a professional distance from the "hardcore" Nazi fugitives.
After Perón’s fall in 1955, Galland returned to West Germany. He was so well-regarded that he became a consultant for the new Luftwaffe and was a key historical advisor for the film Battle of Britain.
The German presence was so influential that some military historians note the Argentine Air Force continued to use Luftwaffe-inspired strategies and doctrine as late as the Falklands War (1982).
After World War II, Werner Baumbach, Hans-Ulrich Rudel, and Adolf Galland all found a second home in Argentina under the government of Juan Perón. They were part of a larger group of German experts recruited to modernize the Argentine Air Force and aviation industry.
The three aviators worked as military advisors to the Argentine Air Ministry and the Air Force starting in the late 1940s. They were often associated with Kurt Tank, the former Focke-Wulf designer, who was building advanced jet prototypes like the Pulqui II in Córdoba.
Werner Baumbach (Bomber Expert): Acted as a specialized advisor on V-weapons and bomber tactics. Worked as a test pilot for the Argentine Air Force. Death: He died in a plane crash on October 20, 1953, near Berazategui while evaluating a British Lancaster bomber for Argentina.
Werner Baumbach was testing the PAT-1 (Proyectil Argentino Teledirigido - 1). While working as an adviser on V-weapons for the Argentine Air Ministry, Baumbach served as a test pilot for newly developed military technologies.
The PAT-1 was an Argentine-made guided missile designed for air-to-sea strikes, heavily influenced by German World War II technology like the Henschel Hs 293.
The Fatal Crash. Baumbach died on October 20, 1953, during a test flight involving this missile system.
The Aircraft: He was piloting a modified British Avro Lancaster bomber (registration B-036) being used as a launch platform for the PAT-1. The plane crashed into the Río de la Plata, approximately 6 km off the coast of Berazategui, after an engine failure shortly after takeoff. Baumbach, flight engineer Karl Heinrich, and Argentine officer Iván Viola were killed.
The Dardo missile (such as the Dardo II) is a much more modern Argentine stand-off weapon developed decades later, though it represents the continuation of the guided-missile research that Baumbach helped pioneer in Argentina during the late 1940s and early 50s.
..............................................................................
Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Stuka Ace): Arrived in 1948 and became a close confidant and military advisor to President Perón.
Founded the "Kameradenwerk," a relief organization that assisted high-ranking Nazis (including Josef Mengele) in escaping to Latin America. Used his influence to recruit skilled German technicians for Argentine industry.
He was instrumental in teaching close air support tactics to Argentine pilots. The focus on ground-attack missions that the Argentine Air Force displayed decades later in the Falklands (specifically using the IA-58 Pucará) is often traced back to the "Stuka" philosophy Rudel instilled.
Despite having lost a leg in the war, Rudel became a famous figure in Argentine sports, frequently competing in mountain climbing (he climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, multiple times) and skiing in Bariloche. This "superman" image helped him maintain a high social profile in the German-Argentine community.
After Perón was deposed in 1955, he moved to Paraguay
Post-Perón Exile: When Perón was overthrown in 1855, Rudel moved to Paraguay, where he became an advisor to dictator Alfredo Stroessner. He continued to travel back to Argentina as an arms representative for German companies.
Hans-Ulrich Rudel’s influence in Argentina wasn't just about his "Stuka" fame; it was about his hands-on evaluation of local aircraft like the I.Ae. 24 Calquín and his later impact on American "tank-buster" philosophy.
Rudel flight-tested the Calquín and provided critical feedback on its handling and potential as a ground-attack (Close Air Support) platform. While he praised its maneuverability, he noted it was underpowered (it used Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines instead of the high-performance Merlins). His input helped Argentine pilots adapt the plane for the rugged "anti-guerrilla" and border-patrol roles it would serve until the 1960s.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II (The "Warthog") Connection
This is one of the most fascinating "90/10" intersections of history: the world's greatest Stuka pilot influencing the world's most famous modern ground-attack jet.
In the 1960s and 70s, as the U.S. Air Force was developing the A-X program (which became the A-10), they consulted Rudel. The designers of the A-10 wanted to understand how the Stuka survived and killed tanks in the high-threat environment of the Eastern Front. Rudel advocated for:
The plane had to be able to fly with half its tail or one engine blown off. He emphasized the "titanium bathtub" to protect the pilot from ground fire. Rudel helped validate the idea that a massive, slow-firing cannon (like the A-10's GAU-8 Avenger) was the most effective way to kill armored columns.
.....................................................................
Adolf Galland (Fighter Ace Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Me 262 jet): Invited by Perón in 1948 to serve as a consultant and instructor for the Argentine Air Force. Flew British Gloster Meteor jets while training young Argentine pilots. He returned to West Germany in 1955.
The Meteor Mentor: Galland arrived in 1948 and was tasked with training pilots for Argentina’s new fleet of 100 Gloster Meteors—making Argentina the first country in Latin America to operate jet fighters. He reportedly said the Argentine pilots had "natural talent" but lacked the disciplined doctrine of the Luftwaffe.
He developed the "Galland Plan," a strategic overhaul of the FAA that focused on decentralized command and rapid interception. This doctrine of "aggressive defense" remained part of the FAA curriculum for decades and was put to the ultimate test during the Air War in the Falklands in 1982.
The "Pulqui II" Test Pilot: Galland worked closely with Kurt Tank at the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) in Córdoba. He flight-tested the IAe 33 Pulqui II, a swept-wing jet prototype that was technically superior to many contemporary designs. Galland personally flew the jet during public demonstrations for Perón.
Social Life & Departure: Unlike Rudel, Galland was a socialite. He was a regular at the Jockey Club in Buenos Aires and was known for his cigars and mustache. He kept a professional distance from the "hardcore" Nazi fugitives.
After Perón’s fall in 1955, Galland returned to West Germany. He was so well-regarded that he became a consultant for the new Luftwaffe and was a key historical advisor for the film Battle of Britain.
The German presence was so influential that some military historians note the Argentine Air Force continued to use Luftwaffe-inspired strategies and doctrine as late as the Falklands War (1982).
When Perón officially established the FAA as an independent branch on January 4, 1945, he realized that Argentina lacked the industrial base and modern doctrine to compete in the new Jet Age. He opened the doors to several nationalities:
The Italians (The "Other" Axis)
Before the Germans arrived, Italian influence was massive.
Italy had a long tradition of high-speed racing planes and seaplanes. Italian engineers helped set up the early infrastructure at the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) in Córdoba.
Fiat and Alfa Romeo: Argentina imported Italian engines and airframe designs. Pilots like Adriano Mantelli were instrumental in teaching aerobatics and glider techniques to young Argentine cadets.
The British (The Unexpected Allies)
This is the great irony: while Argentina was hiring ex-Luftwaffe aces, they were buying British hardware.
The Gloster Meteor: Argentina was the first export customer for the Gloster Meteor, the only Allied jet to see combat in WWII.
British Technicians: Along with the 100 Meteors, a team of British instructors and mechanics moved to Argentina to teach the "90/10" Argentine crews how to maintain the Rolls-Royce Derwent engines.
Doctrine: Much of the FAA’s administrative structure and early "Search and Rescue" protocols were modeled directly on the RAF.
French and Polish Experts
French Influence: Many French aviators who were "uncomfortable" in post-war France (including some who had served in the Vichy air force) found work in Argentina.
The Polish Aces: After the war, many Polish pilots who had fought in the RAF (and didn't want to return to Communist Poland) emigrated to Argentina. They brought the highest level of combat experience from the Battle of Britain directly into Argentine flight schools.
"Global" Recruitment
Perón’s strategy was to cherry-pick the best from every defeated or struggling power.
From the Germans: He wanted Jet/Rocket technology and aggressive combat doctrine.
From the British: He wanted reliable hardware and modern logistics.
From the Italians: He wanted aeronautical elegance and design.
This global mix is why, by 1950, Argentina had the most powerful air force in the Southern Hemisphere.
German tactics, British jets, and Argentine courage.
The Italians (The "Other" Axis)
Before the Germans arrived, Italian influence was massive.
Italy had a long tradition of high-speed racing planes and seaplanes. Italian engineers helped set up the early infrastructure at the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) in Córdoba.
Fiat and Alfa Romeo: Argentina imported Italian engines and airframe designs. Pilots like Adriano Mantelli were instrumental in teaching aerobatics and glider techniques to young Argentine cadets.
The British (The Unexpected Allies)
This is the great irony: while Argentina was hiring ex-Luftwaffe aces, they were buying British hardware.
The Gloster Meteor: Argentina was the first export customer for the Gloster Meteor, the only Allied jet to see combat in WWII.
British Technicians: Along with the 100 Meteors, a team of British instructors and mechanics moved to Argentina to teach the "90/10" Argentine crews how to maintain the Rolls-Royce Derwent engines.
Doctrine: Much of the FAA’s administrative structure and early "Search and Rescue" protocols were modeled directly on the RAF.
French and Polish Experts
French Influence: Many French aviators who were "uncomfortable" in post-war France (including some who had served in the Vichy air force) found work in Argentina.
The Polish Aces: After the war, many Polish pilots who had fought in the RAF (and didn't want to return to Communist Poland) emigrated to Argentina. They brought the highest level of combat experience from the Battle of Britain directly into Argentine flight schools.
"Global" Recruitment
Perón’s strategy was to cherry-pick the best from every defeated or struggling power.
From the Germans: He wanted Jet/Rocket technology and aggressive combat doctrine.
From the British: He wanted reliable hardware and modern logistics.
From the Italians: He wanted aeronautical elegance and design.
This global mix is why, by 1950, Argentina had the most powerful air force in the Southern Hemisphere.
German tactics, British jets, and Argentine courage.
The history of Argentine Air Force (FAA) aircraft from 1900 to 1982 spans the early days of aviation, the establishment of a domestic industry, and the jet age culminating in the 1982 conflict.
Pioneering Era and Early Army Aviation (1900–1944)
Before becoming an independent service in 1945, military aviation was part of the Army. Early acquisitions were primarily European and later North American.
Early Trainers/Scouts: Henri Farman and Bleriot XI-II (locally built), Castaibert II/III/IV, and Morane-Saulnier Type G/L.
Post-WWI Expansion: Ansaldo S.V.A.10 (1919), Avro 504K Gosport (1920), and Fokker D.VII.
Interwar Modernization:
Fighters/Attack:
Dewoitine D.21/D.27, Curtiss Hawk 75O, and Northrop 8A-2.
Trainers: FMA Ae. 20 (indigenous), Avro 626 (1932), and Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz.
Transports: Junkers Ju 52/3m (1940s).
The Jet Age and Post-War Modernization (1945–1970)
Argentina became the first Latin American nation to operate jet fighters, largely through post-WWII debt-settlement agreements with the UK.
Combat Aircraft:
Gloster Meteor F.4: 100 units acquired starting in 1947; the backbone of early jet operations.
Avro Lincoln & Lancaster: Heavy bombers used from the late 1940s.
North American F-86F Sabre: Arrived in 1960 to replace aging Meteors.
Douglas A-4P/B Skyhawk: First arrived in 1966, equipping the V Air Brigade.
Indigenous Designs (FMA):
I.Ae. 24 Calquín: Twin-engine attack aircraft.
I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I & I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II: Early indigenous jet fighter prototypes.
I.Ae. 22 DL: Wooden trainer.
Transports:
Douglas C-47/DC-3, C-54/DC-4, and de Havilland Dove.
The South Atlantic War Era Fleet (1970–1982)
By 1982, the FAA operated a sophisticated mix of supersonic fighters, dedicated ground-attack aircraft, and specialized transports.
Supersonic Fighters:
Dassault Mirage IIIEA/DA: 16 units for high-altitude interception.
IAI Dagger: 27 Israeli-built Nesher (Mirage 5 clones).
Ground Attack & Bombers:
Douglas A-4B/C Skyhawk: The primary strike platform.
English Electric Canberra B.62: Medium bombers used for night raids.
FMA IA-58 Pucará: Indigenous twin-turboprop COIN aircraft.
Transport & Support:
Lockheed C-130H/KC-130H Hercules: Crucial for logistics and aerial refueling.
Fokker F-27 Friendship & F-28 Fellowship: Tactical transports.
Learjet 35A: Used for reconnaissance and decoy missions.
Helicopters: Bell 212, Bell UH-1H, and Boeing CH-47C Chinook.
Pioneering Era and Early Army Aviation (1900–1944)
Before becoming an independent service in 1945, military aviation was part of the Army. Early acquisitions were primarily European and later North American.
Early Trainers/Scouts: Henri Farman and Bleriot XI-II (locally built), Castaibert II/III/IV, and Morane-Saulnier Type G/L.
Post-WWI Expansion: Ansaldo S.V.A.10 (1919), Avro 504K Gosport (1920), and Fokker D.VII.
Interwar Modernization:
Fighters/Attack:
Dewoitine D.21/D.27, Curtiss Hawk 75O, and Northrop 8A-2.
Trainers: FMA Ae. 20 (indigenous), Avro 626 (1932), and Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz.
Transports: Junkers Ju 52/3m (1940s).
The Jet Age and Post-War Modernization (1945–1970)
Argentina became the first Latin American nation to operate jet fighters, largely through post-WWII debt-settlement agreements with the UK.
Combat Aircraft:
Gloster Meteor F.4: 100 units acquired starting in 1947; the backbone of early jet operations.
Avro Lincoln & Lancaster: Heavy bombers used from the late 1940s.
North American F-86F Sabre: Arrived in 1960 to replace aging Meteors.
Douglas A-4P/B Skyhawk: First arrived in 1966, equipping the V Air Brigade.
Indigenous Designs (FMA):
I.Ae. 24 Calquín: Twin-engine attack aircraft.
I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I & I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II: Early indigenous jet fighter prototypes.
I.Ae. 22 DL: Wooden trainer.
Transports:
Douglas C-47/DC-3, C-54/DC-4, and de Havilland Dove.
The South Atlantic War Era Fleet (1970–1982)
By 1982, the FAA operated a sophisticated mix of supersonic fighters, dedicated ground-attack aircraft, and specialized transports.
Supersonic Fighters:
Dassault Mirage IIIEA/DA: 16 units for high-altitude interception.
IAI Dagger: 27 Israeli-built Nesher (Mirage 5 clones).
Ground Attack & Bombers:
Douglas A-4B/C Skyhawk: The primary strike platform.
English Electric Canberra B.62: Medium bombers used for night raids.
FMA IA-58 Pucará: Indigenous twin-turboprop COIN aircraft.
Transport & Support:
Lockheed C-130H/KC-130H Hercules: Crucial for logistics and aerial refueling.
Fokker F-27 Friendship & F-28 Fellowship: Tactical transports.
Learjet 35A: Used for reconnaissance and decoy missions.
Helicopters: Bell 212, Bell UH-1H, and Boeing CH-47C Chinook.
