DINFIA IA 46

Development and construction

The intention was to create a light aircraft suitable for aeroclub and agricultural use, and the 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.

The state-owned Dinfia organisation commenced production of the Ranquel at Cordoba in 1958. Construction was of a fabric-covered tubular structure, although the Tehuelche featured metal-covered wings. Accommodation was provided for a single pilot and a passenger in tandem configuration. In all, some 132 aircraft were built, some of which served as glider tugs for the Fuerza Aerea Argentina.

Operational history

Examples of the IA.46 have served aero clubs from 1958 to date, with several remaining in operation in the late 2000s.

Variants

IA 46 Ranquel

Initial production version with Lycoming O-320-A2B engine, one prototype and 115 production aircraft built.

IA 51 Tehuelche

Version with metal-covered wings, larger flaps, and fuel capacity increased to 500 L (130 US gal). One built, first flown on 16 March 1963.

Operators

 Argentina

Argentine Air Force

Specifications (IA 46 Ranquel)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66

General characteristics

Crew: one pilot

Capacity: two passengers or 400 L (100 US Gal) of agricultural chemicals

Length: 7.45 m (24 ft 5 in)

Wingspan: 11.60 m (38 ft 0 in)

Height: 2.15 m (7 ft 0 in)

Wing area: 18.0 m² (194 ft²)

Empty weight: 690 kg (1,520 lb)

Gross weight: 1,160 kg (2,550 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320-A2B engine, 112 kW (150 hp) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 180 km/h (112 mph)

Cruising speed: 162 km/h (101 mph)

Range: 650 km (405 miles)

Endurance: 4 hours

Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,100 ft)

Rate of climb: 2.4 m/s (472 ft/min)