01/31/2012. Remarks by Walter van Tilborg: "The Atlas Aircraft Corporation of South Africa (PTY) Limited at Kempton Park, Transvaal, developed the C4M in collaboration with Aermacchi of Italy and possesses commonality with the Aeritalia-Aermacchi AM-3C light surveillance and forward air control aircraft, mating the wings, tail assembly, landing gear and power plant of this type with an essentially similar box-like fuselage to that of the Aermacchi AL.60 utility aircraft from which the AM-3C was originally derived.

The C4M was a six/eight-seat light transport aircraft, which could be converted rapidly from the passenger to the freight role, and vice versa, and could operate from unprepared surfaces. Powered by a 340 hp Piaggio-built Lycoming GSO-480-BIB3 engine and registered ZS-IZF (c/n 001), the C4M prototype flew for the first time on February 16, 1974, and certification to FAR Part 23 was granted on June 16, 1975.

The third C4M was a military prototype. Registered ZS-IZG, it flew for the first time on June 18, 1975, and was handed over to the SAAF (s/n 960) in August of that year. All subsequent production was for the SAAF, which ordered 40 and named them Kudu; deliveries were completed in 1979. These aircraft served with Nos. 41 and 42 Squadrons, and with No. 84 Advanced Flying School. At least one aircraft was equipped for casualty evacuation duties.

The pictured aircraft served with the SAAF into the 1990s, it came on the civil register a ZS-WZB on March 2, 1992."