The IA 53 was a single-engine low-wing cantilever monoplane of conventional undercarriage configuration with fixed tailwheel. Accommodation for the pilot and a single passenger was provided under a broad bubble canopy.

Two prototypes were constructed, with the type making its first flight on 10 November 1966. No production followed, with FMA instead building the Cessna 188 under license.^[1]

One aircraft is preserved at the Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina in Morón, Buenos Aires.^[2]

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969–70 ^[3]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.20 m (26 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 11.60 m (38 ft 1 in)
• Height: 3.30 m (10 ft 10 in)
• Wing area: 21.52 m² (231.6 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 6.25:1
• Airfoil: NACA 4412
• Empty weight: 844 kg (1,861 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,525 kg (3,362 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 180 L (40 imp gal; 48 US gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-540-B2B5 air-cooled flat-six engine, 175 kW (235 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 215 km/h (134 mph, 116 kn)
• Cruise speed: 185 km/h (115 mph, 100 kn)
• Range: 650 km (400 mi, 350 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 3,600 m (11,800 ft)
• Rate of climb: 3.84 m/s (755 ft/min)

Notes

Bibliography

• Magnusson, Michael (September 2010). "FMA: from 1945: The story of Fabrica Militar de Aviones, Argentina: Part 12: General Activities of 1960s to early 1970s". Air Britain Archive: 87–94. ISSN 0262-4923.
• Taylor, John W. R. (1969). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969–70. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd.
• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 326.