Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM-3

Aeritalia / Aermacchi · Italy · first flew 1967 · light aircraft

The Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM-3 was an Italian STOL liaison and observation aircraft developed jointly by Aeritalia and Aermacchi in the 1960s. It was designed for army cooperation and light transport duties in rough terrain.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Italian/South African STOL utility and liaison aircraft
• High-wing strut-braced monoplane, single radial or turboprop
• Large observation windows for army cooperation duties

High-wing strut-braced STOL monoplane with a single nose engine, large glazed observation windows along the cabin sides, a fixed undercarriage, and a conventional tail.

Specifications

• The Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM-3 has a length of 8.93 m (29 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 12.64 m (41 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 278 km/h (173 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1967, the AM-3 was a joint programme intended for both Italian and South African military requirements. South Africa ordered the type and operated it as the AM-3C Bosbok with the South African Air Force, where it was used for reconnaissance and forward air control. Italy used it in smaller numbers for liaison duties. The high-wing STOL design made it suitable for operating from unprepared strips.

Variants

The AM-3C Bosbok was the South African production version; the aircraft also served with Italian military units in smaller numbers.

Where you'll see it

The AM-3 served primarily with the South African Air Force as the Bosbok and in limited numbers with the Italian military for liaison and observation tasks.

Related aircraft

• Beagle Pup
• Bellanca Viking
• Cessna 401A
• Cessna 402A

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