In service, the aircraft was to carry a multirole capability and a two-seat trainer form was also planned to cover the nuisances of flying the advanced aircraft. Dimensions included a length of 15.5 meters, a height of 3.9 meters, and a wingspan of 10.9 meters. Empty weight was 7,800 kilograms against a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 14,500 kilograms.
While never settled, the engines would most likely have been 2 x General Electric F404 series afterburning turbofan units (or similar) perhaps in the 11,000/17,000lb (dry/afterburning) output range. Estimated performance would net a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 with a service ceiling up to 50,000 feet and a range out to 3,380 kilometers - very similar to the American F/A-18 series.
In terms of armament, an internal 27mm Mauser cannon was projected as a standard fit and eleven hardpoints (all external), including the wingtip missile mounts, would be featured for stores. Several would also be plumbed for jettisonable fuel tanks. Up to 5,000 kilograms of munitions could be carried in the form of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles as well as more conventional ordnance. It is conceivable that, with the right armament, the aircraft was also to undertake anti-radar sorties and general airspace denial roles as required.
Despite the many obstacles in the way of the project, it was foreseen that deliveries of the new machine could begin as soon as 1991. However, FMA became burdened with financial troubles of its own and failed to entice global industry partners to help the product succeed. As a result, the ambitious SAIA 90 initiative was abandoned and eventually fell away to history.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.