Fábrica Argentina de Aviones
I.Ae. 21 DL
The I.Ae. 21 DL, often called the “Puma,” was the first indigenous, all‑metal monoplane trainer produced by the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) after World War II. Designed at the Instituto Aerotécnico in 1945 and rolled out in 1947, the aircraft marked a decisive step toward Argentine self‑reliance in aerospace technology. Powered by a 200 hp Continental O‑470‑A piston engine, the low‑wing, two‑seat configuration featured a semi‑monocoque fuselage, retractable main landing gear and a variable‑pitch propeller—advanced features for a primary trainer of its era. Its flight‑control system employed conventional ailerons, elevators and a rudder with hydraulic assistance, enabling smooth handling for novice pilots while still offering aerobatic capability for advanced instruction.
The I.Ae. 21 DL entered service with the Argentine Air Force in 1948, where it remained the backbone of basic flight training for more than a decade. Its robust design and low operating costs allowed the air force to train hundreds of pilots without dependence on foreign aircraft, a strategic advantage that later proved crucial during the buildup for the 1978 Falklands conflict. The aircraft also spurred the development of later domestic platforms, cementing FAdeA’s reputation as a capable manufacturer and laying the groundwork for Argentina’s modern aviation industry.
The I.Ae. 21 DL entered service with the Argentine Air Force in 1948, where it remained the backbone of basic flight training for more than a decade. Its robust design and low operating costs allowed the air force to train hundreds of pilots without dependence on foreign aircraft, a strategic advantage that later proved crucial during the buildup for the 1978 Falklands conflict. The aircraft also spurred the development of later domestic platforms, cementing FAdeA’s reputation as a capable manufacturer and laying the groundwork for Argentina’s modern aviation industry.
