Atlantic Aircraft
TA-3
The TA‑3, introduced by Atlantic Aircraft in 1979, quickly became a benchmark for regional transport and training missions. Developed as a successor to the company’s earlier TA‑2 trainer, the TA‑3 was conceived during a period when airlines sought versatile, cost‑effective aircraft capable of operating from short, unpaved runways. Atlantic’s engineering team incorporated a low‑wing monocoque structure, a retractable tricycle landing gear, and a twin‑turbo‑prop engine arrangement that delivered 1,200 shaft horsepower, granting the type a cruising speed of 285 knots and a range exceeding 1,200 nautical miles.
Key features include a pressurized cabin with modular seating for eight passengers or up to twenty trainees, a glass cockpit equipped with dual EFIS displays, and an advanced avionics suite that supported both VOR/DME navigation and early GPS integration. Its rugged airframe and generous payload capacity made the TA‑3 popular with commuter airlines, military liaison units, and flight schools across Europe and North America.
The aircraft’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between classic piston‑powered trainers and modern turboprop platforms, demonstrating Atlantic Aircraft’s ability to merge reliability with emerging technology. Over its 15‑year production run, more than 420 TA‑3s were delivered, influencing subsequent designs and cementing Atlantic’s reputation in the regional aviation market.
Key features include a pressurized cabin with modular seating for eight passengers or up to twenty trainees, a glass cockpit equipped with dual EFIS displays, and an advanced avionics suite that supported both VOR/DME navigation and early GPS integration. Its rugged airframe and generous payload capacity made the TA‑3 popular with commuter airlines, military liaison units, and flight schools across Europe and North America.
The aircraft’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between classic piston‑powered trainers and modern turboprop platforms, demonstrating Atlantic Aircraft’s ability to merge reliability with emerging technology. Over its 15‑year production run, more than 420 TA‑3s were delivered, influencing subsequent designs and cementing Atlantic’s reputation in the regional aviation market.