FMA I.Ae 38

The DINFIA IA 38 was an Argentine experimental transport aircraft from the 1960s, featuring four engines and a tailless design. Its development was guided by Reimar Horten and drew inspiration from the German Horten Ho VIII project, with construction carried out by DINFIA.

Development

The IA 38 originated in response to a 1950 demand for an aircraft capable of transporting citrus fruits—particularly oranges—from western regions of Argentina to Buenos Aires, addressing the limitations of inadequate road and rail systems. This all-metal aircraft exhibited a tailless configuration with shoulder-mounted swept wings, incorporating vertical stabilizers positioned near the wingtips. The compact fuselage was equipped with tricycle landing gear, featuring a retractable nosewheel alongside fixed main wheels. Four radial engines were embedded within the wings, each powering pusher propellers located behind the trailing edges. While initially intended to utilize I.Ae. 19R El Indio engines, the prototype employed less powerful I.Ae. 16 El Gaucho engines due to availability constraints. The cockpit, designed for two crew members, was situated above the wing’s leading edge. Cargo capacity included space for , with plans for a maximum payload of , accessible through a rear clamshell door capable of opening mid-flight to enable air-dropping.

Progress on construction was slow and interrupted by the 1955 Revolución Libertadora, which resulted in the ousting of Juan Perón’s administration. Work recommenced in 1958, culminating in the prototype’s maiden flight on 9 December 1960. The IA 38 demonstrated challenging handling characteristics, was underpowered, and experienced engine overheating issues, all contributing to unsatisfactory performance. After completing only four test flights, the program was terminated in 1962.

Post-cancellation, the IA 38 was exhibited at the Aeronautical School until a fire—believed to be arson—damaged its outer skin beyond repair; subsequently, the remaining structure was dismantled and scrapped.

Bibliography

• Green, William & Swanborough, Gordon. "Horten Exotica...to the H IX and beyond." Air Enthusiast, No. 39, May–August 1989, pp. 1–18.
• Magnusson, Michael. "FMA : from 1945: The story of Fabrica Militar de Aviones, Argentina: Part 8: Horten and other activities in the 1950s." Air-Britain Archive, Autumn 2009. pp. 127–130.
• Pelletier, Alain J. "Towards the Ideal Aircraft: The Life and Times of the Flying Wing, Part Two". Air Enthusiast, No. 65, September–October 1996, pp. 8–19.
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985), Orbis Publishing, 1985.
• Taylor, John W. R. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1961–62. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1961.