Aermacchi AM.3

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AM.3
Ntps-bosbok-N165TP-060223-01cr.jpg
AM.3CM Bosbok operated by the National Test Pilot School at the Mojave Spaceport
RoleObservation aircraft
Manufacturer Aermacchi
First flight12 May 1967
Introduction1973
Retired1992
Primary users South African Air Force
Rwanda

The Aermacchi AM.3 was the result of a joint venture between Aermacchi and Aeritalia (then Aerfer Industrie Aerospaziali Meridionali) in response to an Italian Army requirement for an aircraft to replace the Cessna L-19, and was initially designated the MB-335.

Contents

Design and development

The AM 3 prototype displayed at the Paris Air Salon in June 1967 Aermacchi AM3 prototype Paris 06.67.jpg
The AM 3 prototype displayed at the Paris Air Salon in June 1967

The AM.3 used the wing design of the Aermacchi AL-60 utility aircraft, strengthened to incorporate two hardpoints. The fuselage was a new design. [1]

The first prototype, constructed by Aermacchi, flew on 12 May 1967, and it was displayed at the Paris air show in June that year. [1] The second prototype, constructed by AERFER, flew on 22 August 1968, but the aircraft lost the Italian Army contract to the SIAI Marchetti SM.1019. Nevertheless, Aeritalia continued development.

The third prototype used a more powerful Piaggio-built Lycoming GSO-480-B1B6 in place of the original Continental GTSIO-520-C, and this variant was designated AM.3C

Pilot and observer are accommodated in tandem positions, and the craft features dual controls. Aft space is utilitarian, providing space for two stretchers or seat space for additional passengers. Additional configurations include freight transport.

Armament configurations are diverse, as well. Two standard underwing pylons were able to carry 170 kg (375 lb) of stores each. Typical armament includes machine guns, rockets, bombs and missiles. Reconnaissance packs could be fitted to, or inside of, the fuselage. Additional pylons were often added by customers.

Bosbok

Bosbok cockpit Aermacchi AM3 Bosbok Interior-001.jpg
Bosbok cockpit

In September 1970, the South African Air Force ordered 40 AM.3Cs, designating the aircraft the AM.3CM Bosbok (Bush-buck). [1] The first aircraft was taken on charge in March 1973, with deliveries continuing until December 1975, equipping 41 Squadron and 42 Squadron.

The Bosbok saw extensive action during the South African military operations in Angola between 1975 and 1989, during which it wore an olive-drab/dark earth camouflage instead of the light-grey paint scheme in which it was delivered.

The SAAF's Bosboks had four underwing hardpoints from which a variety of ordnance could be hung, including machine-gun pods, light bombs, and smoke-rocket pods. Each of the two inner hardpoints was stressed for a 170 kg (375 lb) load, with the two outer points being stressed for a 91 kg (200 lb) load.

Roles performed by the Bosbok in SAAF service include:

The Bosbok really excelled in the dangerous role of target-marking, in which it used this technique - the aircraft would approach the target at tree-top height, pull up to around 92 m (300 ft) when nearly overhead the target, line up the nose on the target, and release the rockets, before quickly turning away and diving back to tree-top level to avoid ground fire.

Using this method, a Bosbok was once credited with destroying an entire 37 mm anti-aircraft gun position with a lucky direct hit from one of its smoke marker rockets.

Following the end of South Africa's involvement in the Angolan War in 1989 and the subsequent downsizing of the SAAF, the Bosbok was retired from service in 1992.

Operators

Flag of Italy.svg  Italy
Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg  Rwanda
Flag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg  South Africa
Flag of the United States.svg  United States

Specifications (AM-3C)

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1971–72, [3] Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1969–70 [4]

General characteristics

Performance

260 km/h (160 mph; 140 kn) at sea level

Armament

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Simpson, 2001, p. 6
  2. 1 2 3 Taylor, John (1974). Jane's Pocket Book of Military Transport and Training Aircraft. New York: Collier Books. p. 7. ISBN   0020804903.
  3. Taylor, John W.R., ed. (1971). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1971–72 (62nd ed.). London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company. pp. 113–114. ISBN   9780354000949.
  4. Taylor, John W.R., ed. (1969). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1969–70 (60th ed.). London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company. pp. 119–120.

Further reading