I.Ae. 22 DL

The I.Ae. 22DL was the first indigenous trainer aircraft produced in Argentina after World II, a milestone for the newly created Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA). Developed by the Instituto Aerotécnico (I.Ae.) in the early 1950s under the direction of engineer Émile Dewoitine, the aircraft combined a low‑wing monoplane layout with a simple, robust structure that could be built with limited industrial resources. Powered by a 150‑hp Continental O‑470‑A flat‑four engine, the DL featured tandem open cockpits, a fixed tail‑wheel undercarriage and a wooden‑covered wing with metal spars, allowing straightforward maintenance and low operating costs. First flight took place on 28 October 1951, and a total of 100 units entered service with the Argentine Air Force as primary trainers and liaison aircraft. The I.Ae. 22DL played a crucial role in establishing a national aeronautical industry, providing Argentine pilots with locally‑produced training platforms and reducing dependence on foreign imports. Its reliability and ease of handling also made it popular for civilian flying clubs, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of mid‑century Argentine aviation development. The type remained in active service until the late 1970s, after which many airframes were transferred to museums and historic flight groups, preserving a tangible link to Argentina’s early aerospace ambitions.

Fábrica Argentina de Aviones

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Design & Classification