Preliminary design studies for a replacement for the Morane-Saulnier MS-760 of the Argentine Air Force started at the Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) in 1978, with these studies resulting in selection of a proposal powered by a single Garrett TFE731 turbofan with high, unswept wings.

At the same time the FMA signed a partnership agreement with Dornier to develop the new aircraft.

[2] The avionics systems are also simpler than the Franco-German aircraft, which has an important secondary combat role.

[3] Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89 [25] and Air Force Technology[8]General characteristics Performance Armament

Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era