The Pucara is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used for light attack and counterinsurgency missions. Intended for use on unimproved airfields and to maximize loiter time, it is 1 of the few modern combat aircraft designs to opt for turboprop power. The fin has little sweep, a curved dorsal fillet, and inset rudder.
Internal fuel is contained in two fuselage tanks and a wing tank in each inboard section.
Up to three drop tanks can be mounted on the fuselage pylon and two wing pylons. The nose is steeply sloped with the top line continuing in a curve over the long canopy and tapering gently down to the tail. Tandem crew positions are enclosed by a single-piece canopy that is hinged to the rear. The pilot has a reflector gunsight for the weapons system. The Pucara is heavily armed, with two cannon under the nose and two machine guns on each side of the cockpit.