The Pucara Story

MMP Books

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The Argentine's IA-58 Pucará light attack aircraft was developed in response to a Fuerza Area Argentina (FAA) requirement formulated in the late 1960's. The design went into series production in 1974 following a lengthy development period. The Pucará is probably best known to most aviation enthusiasts and modellers as a result of its use in the Falklands war of 1982. The Pucará is still in active service with the FAA and several other air forces. Despite its age, the Pucará remains an effective light attack and counter-insurgency aircraft, filling a niche similar to that of the North American OV-10 Bronco, which a was a potential Pucará rival for the FAA's original requirement.

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The Pucará Story details the design, development and operational use of the Pucará, including the many upgrades and redesigns tested and planned at various stages. The text is based on access to Argentine air force sources and archives, as well as discussions with serving and former Pucará crew; this is the first English-language book to describe this aircraft in such detail.

The booklet has a soft cover with 152 A4 colour pages, enclosed in a square spine binding. The booklet is a very complete package with chapters covering:

• Origins & Influences.
• Further Developments & Initial Exports.
• South Atlantic Conflict.
• The Pucará in Uruguay & Elsewhere.
• Post-1982 Service & Developments.
• Camouflage & Markings, and Notes for Modellers.
• Walkaround.
• Weapons & Stores.
• What Ifs?
• Preserved & Lost Relics

It also has appendices that provide:

• Individual Aircraft Summaries.
• 1982 Conflict Daily Operational Log
• Summarised external differences of the prototype.

The book is replete with and colour photos and numerous colours and markings illustrations. It has interesting sections on single-seat and torpedo carrying variants, as well as drug-busting operations and service with other South American nations. Modellers are catered for with detailed notes on colours & markings worn by aircraft in the 1982 Falklands War, and an excellent photographic walkaround. There are even several "what if?"colour profiles based on export possibilities that did not eventuate. Perhaps the only noticeable absence from a modelling standpoint is the lack of detailed scale plans. 

The book is produced to high standards and is an excellent reference for Pucará enthusiasts. It also offers a wealth of information for modellers, especially those interested in the regrettable conflict of 1982.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MMP Books  for the sample.

All MMP Books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at MMP Books  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2014 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 10 September, 2014
Last updated 10 September, 2014

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