Aermacchi AM.3C
Aermacchi · Italy · first flew 1967 · transport aircraft
The Aermacchi AM.3C is an Italian light STOL liaison and utility aircraft designed for operation from unprepared airstrips, carrying a pilot and up to three passengers or a small cargo load. It was developed as a joint Italian-South African project in the late 1960s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive braced high wing above a boxy utility fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing STOL liaison aircraft with fixed tailwheel undercarriage and slab sides
- Single piston engine, large cabin windows, and rear clamshell cargo door
- Distinctive braced high wing above a boxy utility fuselage
The AM.3C's strut-braced high wing, fixed tricycle gear, and boxy utility fuselage with large cabin windows and aft access door distinguish it from sleeker liaison types.
Specifications
- The Aermacchi AM.3C has a length of 9.36 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 235 km/h (146 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The AM.3C resulted from collaboration between Aermacchi and the Atlas Aircraft Corporation of South Africa, with first flight in 1967. It was intended for military liaison, forward air control, and light utility roles under austere field conditions. South Africa acquired it as the AM-3C Bosbok.
Variants
The Bosbok was the South African Air Force designation; Italian military evaluation did not lead to a large procurement.
Where you'll see it
Served with the South African Air Force as the Bosbok in forward air control and liaison roles through the 1970s–80s; Italian Air Force trials led to limited evaluation only.
Related aircraft
- Aermacchi AL-60
- Aermacchi MB-339A
- MB-339
- Aermacchi MB-326
- Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy
- Beriev Be-30/32
- Canadair CL-215
- Dornier Do 31
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.