The T-90 Calima is a Colombian primary trainer aircraft built through a Fuerza Aerea Colombiana, CAMAN, CIAC, and Lancair program to replace older T-34 Mentor trainers. FAC, CIAC, Lancair, EMAVI, and FAC museum sources frame it as a national composite-aircraft production and training project: 25 to 26 aircraft were manufactured, the type accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours, and a 2019 restricted defense type certificate formalized its military-training design approval.
The Calima is documented as a training aircraft rather than a combat aircraft. CIAC describes the type as a primary-instruction aircraft for Colombian Air Force pilot training, while EMAVI reporting places it at the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School in Cali for primary and basic flight training under Plan Ajax.
Two-seat, low-wing primary trainer with dual flight controls for instructor-student use.
Manufacturing work centered on CAMAN and CIAC personnel, with Lancair design and component participation.
SECAD describes the 2019 approval as a restricted defense type certificate for a Colombian-built military instruction aircraft.
Calima designation reporting distinguishes the original T-90 aircraft, the T-90C production and upgrade standard, and the T-90D follow-on demonstrator aimed at broader military and civil training markets.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-90C Calima | FAC fleet production and upgrade standard | Reported as the improved Calima standard with aerodynamic, structural, landing-gear, and Garmin-avionics changes applied from the 2013 production line and retrofit program. Sources: T-90C Calima variant report |
| T-90D Calima | CIAC follow-on demonstrator and commercialization aircraft | Reported as aircraft FAC2465, construction number 026, evolved from the T-90C with engine-mount, landing-gear, brake-hydraulic, canopy-seal, ventilation, and avionics changes. |
FAC reporting says the Calima program began in 2006 when CIAC and the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana approved development of a replacement for the T-34 Mentor primary trainers.
Sources: Last T-90 Calima delivery
FAC reporting says CAMAN's production work delivered the first three T-90 Calima aircraft in 2010.
Sources: Last T-90 Calima delivery
The Fuerza Aerea Colombiana reported in August 2014 that it and CIAC had completed the manufacture of 25 Calima T-90 aircraft.
Sources: Last T-90 Calima delivery
SECAD reported that a restricted defense type certificate was delivered for the T-90 Calima during F-AIR 2019.
Sources: T-90 Calima defense type certificate
EMAVI reported that T-90 Calima aircraft were being used at the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School in Cali for primary and basic flight instruction under Plan Ajax.
Sources: EMAVI Plan Ajax training report
The FAC Aerospace Museum described the Calima as a Colombian aviation-industry project involving CAMAN and CIAC military and civilian personnel.
Sources: FAC museum Calima exhibit
