The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum has announced the arrival of ex-Argentine Air Force FMA IA 58 Pucará A-515, which will now be part of the museum’s Falklands War exhibition, “11 Weeks in 1982” — the UK’s largest permanent display dedicated to the conflict. The twin-turboprop ground-attack aircraft flew operationally with the Fuerza Aérea Argentina from the Falkland Islands during the 1982 war. Pucará A-515 participated in multiple missions against British forces, including the type’s final sortie on June 10, 1982. During that mission, the aircraft sustained minor damage from small-arms fire and was subsequently grounded before the Argentine surrender on June 14.
Captured by British forces at the end of hostilities, A-515 was transported to the United Kingdom for technical evaluation by the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at MOD Boscombe Down. Following detailed inspections and flight preparation, the aircraft was assigned the RAF serial number ZD485 and became the only captured Pucará to fly in the UK, logging approximately 25 hours of test flight time.
Upon completion of trials, A-515 was flown to the RAF Museum at Cosford on September 9, 1983, where it remained part of the national collection for over four decades. In October 2025, the aircraft was officially transferred to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum. Now on display alongside several other aircraft from both sides of the Falklands War, Pucará A-515 takes pride of place in the museum’s “11 Weeks in 1982” exhibition. The aircraft has been carefully reassembled by a team of dedicated volunteers and is currently displayed outdoors pending future museum developments that will allow it to be exhibited indoors.
Museum curator Naylan Moore expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “The acquisition of the Pucará is a fantastic addition to our ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ display, joining a number of other aircraft that flew on both sides of the conflict. This will allow us to further share the story of the Falklands War with our visitors and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” Dr. Harry Raffal, Head of Collections and Research at the RAF Museum, added: “The RAF Museum’s gifting of Pucará A-515 provides the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum with an exciting new exhibit. Although the Pucará was operated by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina and not in direct contact with the RAF, its story is a vital part of the broader history of the Falklands War. This transfer ensures that narrative can be shared with new audiences.”
With the arrival of Pucará A-515, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum strengthens its commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of the 1982 Falklands conflict — through the artifacts, aircraft, and personal stories that bring this pivotal moment in modern military history to life. For more information about the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, visit www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk
