In 1960, the Italian company “Procaer” (full name “Progetti Costruzioni Aeronautiche SpA”) constructed the F-400 Cobra, a light jet aircraft. The project was developed by the designer Stelio Frati, a renowned aeronautical engineer.
Development and Maiden Flight
On November 16, 1960, the prototype (I-COBR) made its first flight. It was a two-seater, low-wing monoplane, equipped with a Turbomeca Marboré II turbofan engine providing 3.9 kN of thrust. To reduce weight, the aircraft’s structure was made of wood and covered with plywood, onto which aluminum foil was glued.
Exhibition and Project Conclusion
In June 1961, the F-400 Cobra was showcased at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, where it garnered significant attention. A decision was made to build a four-seater version, designated the F-480. However, these plans were thwarted by a prototype accident on August 1, 1965. The Cobra project was subsequently closed, and the unfinished F-480 was disassembled for parts.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | F- 400 |
| Wingspan, m | 8. 70 |
| Length, m | 8.10 |
| Height, m | 2.80 |
| Wing area, m2 | 11.70 |
| Empty weight | 1100 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1700 |
| Engine type | 1 Turbojet Turbomeca Marboré II |
| Thrust, kN | 1 х 3.90 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 580 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 480 |
| Practical range, km | 100 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 720 |
| Service ceiling, m | 9500 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image gallery of the F-400 Cobra
