Although influenced by the Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet design, the Pampa differs in being a smaller aircraft, it is also single-engined and has straight instead of swept wings. Also the avionics systems are simpler than the Franco-German aircraft, which has an important combat second role. The Pampa prototype first flew on October 6, 1984.Production of the initial series has been delayed and hampered by the state of the Argentinian economy, and as a result only 20 production aircraft have been built for the Argentine Air Force. They are in service with the IV Air Brigade at Mendoza in the advanced training role of Argentine pilots.
With the acquisition of FMA by Lockheed-Martin the Pampa went from a MLU (mid life upgrade) with new engine, a more advanced avionics compatible with the A-4AR and weapon system. This new project is called AT-63 Pampa (for attack-trainer) and is commercialized by Lockheed-Martin itself. By now the only client is the Argentinian Air Force who is in the process of modernize its entire fleet and buying 6 new built units. The AT-63 was also offered to Colombia, Greece and Venezuela.
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