Soko J-20 Kraguj
| J-20 Kraguj | |
|---|---|
| |
| Yugoslav Air Force J-20 Kraguj | |
| Role | Fighter Bomber |
| Manufacturer | SOKO |
| Designer | VTI |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Primary user | Yugoslav Air Force |
| Number built | 85 |
The Soko J-20 Kraguj (Sparrowhawk) was a Yugoslavian single-seat light ground-attack and counter-insurgency aircraft, first flown in 1964.
Design
It is of classic semi-monocoque, metal structure with a slightly tapered wing. The pilot is accommodated in an enclosed, heated and ventilated cockpit with adjustable seats. The cockpit canopy slides backwards to open. The landing gear is non-retractable with a tail wheel. Rubber dampers provide shock absorption, and hydraulic brakes are used for wheel braking.
The power plant comprises one 340 hp Textron Lycoming GSO-480-B1J6 piston engine and Hartzell HC-B3Z20-1/10151C-5 three-blade metal variable pitch propeller. The engine cooling airflow is intensified by means of two specially designed ejectors. 36 US Gal of fuel contained in two rubber tanks enables a flight range of 350 NM for the fully armed configuration of the aircraft. 28 V DC electric power is supplied from a 1,5 kW generator and a storage battery. De-fogging and de-icing of the windshield is done by blowing of hot air.
Operation
The aircraft was specially designed for low-altitude missions against day and night visible ground targets in a broad area. It was readily available to be loaded with weapons and supplied through a flexible system of auxiliary airfields that required no special preparations, especially in mountainous regions. Yugoslav military planers assumed that potential aggressor will first disable airfields. Therefore, J-20 Kraguj was designed to take-off from short unprepared runways, even ones covered in deep snow when fitted with skis. It was also called a "Partisan aircraft".
The Kraguj P-2 was intended for close ground force support, and could be used for training of pilots in visual day/night flights, aiming, missile firing and bombing of ground targets.
Armament
Permanent armament comprises two wing-mounted 7.7 mm Colt Browning Mk-II machine guns with 650 rounds each and a collimator sight in the cockpit. For combat missions there is a capacity for an external load of bombs and two 57 mm and two 128 mm (HVAR-5) air-to-ground rocket launchers. Adapters on the underwing pylons can be used to switch the armament configuration from free-fall bombs to multi-tube launchers with twelve 57 mm air-to-ground rockets. Cluster or cargo bombs, or 128 mm air-to-ground rockets can be fitted.
Users
Specifications (J-20)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1969-70 [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Airfoil: NACA 4415
Performance
Armament
- Guns: 2 × 7.7 mm Colt Browning Mk.II machine guns (650 rounds each)
- Rockets: 2 × 12 round rocket pack or 6 × 57 mm or 127 mm rocket
- Bombs: 2 × 100 kg (220 lb) bombs
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ J W R Taylor 1969, p.506.
- Taylor,John W.R. (editor). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1969-70. London: Sampson Low,1969.