Argentina completes maiden flight of IA-100B Malvina trainer to boost domestic pilot training.

As reported by SA Defensa, on May 20, 2025, the first flight of the IA-100B Malvina trainer aircraft took place from the runway of the Escuela de Aviación Militar in Córdoba, Argentina. The aircraft was developed by the state-owned manufacturer Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) and represents the result of several years of work to produce a locally manufactured platform for the training needs of the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

With an empty weight of 964 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,350 kg, the IA-100B achieves a cruise speed of 145 knots, a stall speed of 57 knots, a ceiling of 18,000 feet, and a range of up to 1,060 km. (Picture source: Nicolas Ramirez via Twitter/SA Defensa)

The flight had been delayed by eleven days due to internal issues at FAdeA, and its completion initiates a new phase of testing and evaluation before the integration of necessary modifications into the production aircraft. The aircraft will form part of Argentina’s pilot training system, and its development follows a previous demonstrator, the IA-100A, that flew in 2016 but was not intended for operational service.

The IA-100 program was launched in December 2014 as a technology demonstrator to assess Argentina’s capacity to design and build a composite low-wing training aircraft. The IA-100A made its first flight on August 8, 2016. It featured side-by-side seating, fixed landing gear, a Lycoming AEIO-360-B1F engine rated at 180 horsepower, and a composite airframe using wet lay-up construction methods. This initial configuration was not suited to series production but provided a base for future developments. The program remained inactive until 2020, when it was reactivated with a new design following a requirement issued by the Argentine Air Force. The updated variant was designated IA-100B and officially named “Malvina” by the Ministry of Defense in August of that year.

The IA-100B Malvina introduces significant structural and performance upgrades over the IA-100A, with 85% of its airframe made from composite materials using pre-impregnated fiber techniques to improve build quality. The aircraft features newly designed wings and fuselage, a 260 hp Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 engine, a three-bladed Hartzell propeller, and retractable landing gear. Its tandem seating configuration includes an optional third seat for liaison flights. Developed to meet FAR Part 23 aerobatic certification standards and aligned with Argentina’s CBCAM training requirements, the IA-100B is rated for load factors of +6g to -3g and is capable of inverted flight.

The cockpit is equipped with a higher canopy for enhanced visibility, a simplified layout, and digital Garmin G500-based avionics for both VFR and IFR operations. The IA-100B measures 8.40 meters in length and 2.70 meters in height, larger than the IA-100A, with a wing surface area of 14 square meters. The airframe integrates carbon fiber spars and semi-monocoque construction for improved load distribution. With an empty weight of 964 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,350 kg, the IA-100B achieves a cruise speed of 145 knots, a stall speed of 57 knots, a ceiling of 18,000 feet, and a range of up to 1,060 km. Its design supports various training missions including navigation, formation, aerobatics, and instrument flying.

In December 2022, the Ministry of Defense signed a direct inter-administrative contract with FAdeA to support the development, certification, and delivery of ten IA-100B aircraft. The agreement allocated USD 10,051,796 for materials and ARS 439,705,272 (equivalent to approximately USD 410,655.50 at the time) for labor. The contract also funded 22% of the materials required to build eight additional aircraft, suggesting potential for future expansion of the production run. The overall objective ranges from 25 to 40 units, initially planned for the Argentine Air Force and the Naval Aviation Command. Despite plans in 2020 to complete a prototype by 2021 and begin deliveries in 2022, delays occurred during 2024, and the prototype was only finalized in March 2025. The flight test program is now expected to progress, with adjustments from test results incorporated into series production.

The IA-100B has drawn interest from regional operators. On April 18, 2023, the Paraguayan Air Force signed a letter of intent to evaluate the IA-100B as a replacement for the retired T-23 Uirapuru, which was previously used for elementary flight instruction. Commander General Arturo Javier González cited the aircraft's cost, reported at under one million USD, as a factor in Paraguay's consideration. On June 29, 2023, the Uruguayan Air Force signed a declaration of interest to evaluate the platform. FAdeA is promoting the IA-100B for export across Latin America, highlighting the potential for reduced logistical costs due to geographical proximity and the platform's alignment with regional training needs.

Currently, the Argentine Air Force operates a diversified training fleet that includes 12 U.S.-made Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II aircraft for basic training, 12 Brazilian EMB-312 Tucanos used for both training and light attack, 8 German-made Grob G 120TP aircraft for elementary instruction, and 16 Argentine-built IA-63 Pampa II advanced trainers, three of which are being upgraded to the Pampa III variant. The Paraguayan Air Force continues to use 9 Chilean-built T-35 Pillán basic trainers and lacks a replacement for the T-23 Uirapuru. Uruguay operates 5 Swiss Pilatus PC-7s and 10 Italian SIAI-Marchetti SF.260s. All three countries are currently assessing the IA-100B as a potential platform for initial and basic pilot training.

The aircraft’s development benefits from collaboration with the Regional University Center of Córdoba (IUA – UNDEF), which supports studies in aerodynamics, structural load analysis, flight mechanics, and computational fluid dynamics. Although the current configuration is still undergoing testing, the IA-100B is being developed in accordance with both FAR Part 23 requirements and U.S. military (MIL) certification standards. Modifications resulting from the upcoming test campaign may be applied to the production models. FAdeA aims to provide the Argentine Air Force with a modern, locally developed trainer while also offering a competitive product for export within the region.