CNIAR/Soko IAR-93 / J-22 Orao
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇷🇴 Romania 🇳🇱 Ex-Yugoslavia |
| First flight | 31 August 1974 |
| Year of introduction | 1977 |
| Number produced | 88 units |
| Average unit price | $10 million |
Description
In the mid-1970s, Romania, distancing itself from the Eastern Bloc, and Yugoslavia collaboratively launched the JUROM program aimed at developing an aircraft to replace the Yugoslav Air Force's F-84 Thunderjets and the Romanian MiG-17s.
Named J-22 Orao (Eagle) in Yugoslavia and IAR-93 in Romania, this small-sized aircraft was intended for light attack, ground support in combat zones, and reconnaissance. A two-seater version was also developed, primarily for training purposes.
The J-22/IAR-93 was armed with a 23mm cannon and could carry an offensive load of 2800kg, including two air-to-air missiles on wingtips for self-defense.
Approximately 300 units were built for both countries, with production ceasing in 1992. While the Romanian aircraft never saw combat, Yugoslav IAR-93s were extensively used during the civil war for ground attack missions and cruise missile destruction.
Technical specifications
| Version: IAR-SOKO IAR-93B | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 1320 km (820 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1094 km/h (680 mph) |
| Wing area | 26 m² (279.9 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 9.3 m (30.5 ft) |
| Height | 4.5 m (14.8 ft) |
| Length | 14.9 m (48.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13600 m (44619 ft) |
| Empty weight | 5750 kg (12677 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 10900 kg (24030 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 65.0 m/s (213.3 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Rolls-Royce Viper Mk 633-47 delivering 1814 kgp, up to 2268 kgp with afterburner |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 10 |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Serbia | 17 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Short-Range Vympel R-3 (AA-2 Atoll)
Bombs payload:
- Low-Drag BM-100
- Low-Drag BM-250
- Low-Drag BM-500
Photo of IAR-93 / J-22 Orao
