Arava
Summary
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Manufacturer | IAI |
| First flight | 27 November 1969 |
| Year introduced | 1972 |
| Number produced | 103 units |
| Average unit price | $1.9 million |
Description
The IAI Arava is a military aircraft developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) primarily for utility and transport missions. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since been deployed by several air forces and military organizations worldwide. The Arava is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft with a high-wing design, capable of operating from short and unprepared runways. It offers a versatile platform for various missions including troop and cargo transport, aerial survey, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations. The IAI Arava's rugged design and functional capabilities have made it a reliable asset for numerous military operations globally.
Technical specifications
| Version: A-202 | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 326 km/h (203 mph) |
| Wing area | 43.7 m² (470.2 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 21.0 m (68.8 ft) |
| Height | 5.2 m (17.1 ft) |
| Length | 12.7 m (41.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m (25,000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4,050 kg (8,929 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 6.6 m/s (21.7 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turboprops Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-36 delivering 559 kW |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Venezuela | 4 | |
|
El Salvador | 3 | |
|
Ecuador | 2 | |
All operators
Wikipedia and other open sources.
Photo by Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti.