Pampa III‘s first flight

According to sources in Iran, the country’s Air Force has carried out the maiden flight of a former Iraqi Sukhoi Su-22, one of 12 it is restoring to new configuration. The aircraft, which are from a batch of 40 Su-22s that the Iraqis had sent to Iran for ‘safe keeping’ during Operation Desert Storm 24 years ago, are to be operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air and Space Force (IRGCASF). Iran is planning to restore five Su-22M4s, two Su-22Ums and five Su-22UM3s with work being carried out by Pars Aviation Aircraft MRO Centre and powered by R-29BS-300 engines. According to reports, the aircraft will be wired to carry C-704KD Nasr 2 anti-ship/cruise missiles.

Even as the future of the Indian HJT-36 IJT programme is uncertain, Argentina’s very similar FAdeA IA-63 Pampa III advanced training aircraft made its first flight in August 2015. The Pampa III maintains the general characteristics of the earlier Pampa II (see photo), but incorporates two Elbit-supplied multi-functional screens, daytime and nighttime modes and a simulation system. The Argentinian Air Force is also considering adding Elbit’s Targo helmet-mounted display (HMD) system. Early in 2014, production had reportedly stopped on the 40 IA-63 Pampa III aircraft ordered so far because funding was scarce and FAdeA operators focussed instead on maintaining current aircraft, with the air force retiring its ageing Mirage III.