DINFIA IA 46

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IA 46 Ranquel/Super Ranquel and IA 51 Tehuelche
Type Utility and agricultural aircraft
Manufacturer DINFIA
Maiden flight 23 December 1957
Number built >220

The DINFIA IA 46 Ranquel, IA 46 Super Ranquel, and IA 51 Tehuelche were Argentine utility aircraft developed in the late 1950s. The intention was to create a light aircraft suitable for aeroclub and agricultural use, and resulting design was a conventional high-wing strut-braced monoplane with fixed tailwheel undercarriage. The aircraft were named for the Ranquel and Tehuelche peoples, different groups indigenous to Patagonia.

Construction was of a fabric-covered tubular structure, although the Tehuelche featured metal-covered wings. Accommodation was provided for a single pilot with a bench seat for two people to the rear. In all, some 220 aircraft were built, some of which served as glider tugs for the Fuerza Aerea Argentina.

[edit] Variants

IA 46 Ranquel
Initial production version with Lycoming O-320-A2B engine
IA 46 Super Ranquel
Version of IA 46 with Lycoming O-360-A1A engine
IA 51 Tehuelche
Version with metal-covered wings, larger flaps, and chemical capacity increased to 500 L (130 US gal)

[edit] Specifications (IA 46 Ranquel)

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 2 passengers or 400 L (100 US Gal) of agricultural chemicals
  • Length: 7.45 m (24 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.60 m (38 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 2.15 m (7 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 18.0 m² (194 ft²)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320-A2B engine, 112 kW (150 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 195 km/h (120 mph)
  • Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,100 ft)


[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 326. 
  • Simpson, R. W. (1995). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing, 413.