UTVA Lasta-95
Summary
| Category | Training aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇷🇸 Serbia |
| First flight | 2 September 1985 |
| Year of introduction | 2010 |
| Number produced | 37 units |
Description
The Lasta was initially conceived as a replacement for the Utva 75 and, in part, the Soko G-2 Galeb trainer aircraft. The first prototype, designated Lasta 1, was completed in the spring of 1985 and performed its initial flight on September 2, 1985. Following modifications to address updated requirements, the Lasta 2 design began in January 1989. This iteration featured a lighter structure, a shorter fuselage, and a new electronics suite, including a Ferranti ISIS D-282 fire control system. By the early 1990s, components for ten pre-production airframes were manufactured. During the 1999 NATO bombing, five of the existing prototypes were destroyed at the Utva plant, while a sixth survived damage and was later transferred to the Aviation Museum in Belgrade. Development of the aircraft was revived in 2006 under the designation Lasta 95, incorporating contemporary technology while retaining the fundamental concepts of the Lasta 2 design. The first prototype of the Lasta 3, associated with this revived development, flew on February 26, 2009.
The Utva Lasta 95 is a low-wing trainer aircraft featuring a tandem two-seat configuration and metal airframe construction. It is designed and certified according to Federal Aviation Regulations (Joint Aviation Requirements) 23 for operation in the aerobatic category. Power is supplied by a six-cylinder Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A engine generating 232 kW (315 HP), driving a two-bladed metal Hartzell propeller. The aircraft is specified to achieve a maximum flight velocity of 345 km/h at an altitude of 3000m. Some versions, such as the Lasta 95V-54, incorporate composite materials in specific sections of the airframe. Select models feature a glass cockpit integrating a Garmin G500 avionics suite, which includes a primary flight display (PFD) and a multi-function display (MFD), alongside a system for instrumental flying simulation.
Certain variants of the Lasta 95 are equipped with two under-wing hard points. These hard points are rated to carry a maximum load of 100 kg (220 lb) each. The aircraft can carry a variety of stores on these hardpoints, including 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun pods, 57 mm rocket launchers, or bombs up to 120 kg in weight. This capability allows for basic training in weapon delivery techniques. The Lasta 95V-54 variant also incorporates an AKN-09 Teleoptik Zemun gun sight system which provides targeting support for the weapon configurations. The aircraft's capabilities support pilot training covering basic flying, aerobatics, navigation flying, basic elements of night flying, Category II instrumental flight, fundamental gunnery, rocket, and bombing (GRB) procedures.
The Utva Lasta 95 has entered operational service with the Iraqi and Serbian Air Forces. In December 2007, the Iraqi Air Force ordered 36 aircraft. Deliveries to Iraq commenced on August 5, 2010, with the full order completed by February 2012. Media outlets have reported the use of the Lasta 95 by the Iraqi Air Force during the conflict against ISIL. The Serbian Air Force began operating its Lasta 95 aircraft by March 2012, having ordered 15 units. The aircraft is utilized for pilot training functions.
Main Variants:
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Lasta 95N: A light piston-propeller training aircraft intended primarily for initial and basic military pilot training, powered by a Lycoming engine and capable of combat fire training.
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Lasta 95V-54: Developed for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence, this variant is equipped with a glass cockpit featuring Garmin G500 avionics, modified flight and engine controls, and two under-wing hard points for carrying weapons.
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Lasta 95P-2: This version corresponds to the Lasta 95V-54 but is designated for export markets, potentially featuring minor modifications based on customer specifications.
Technical specifications
| Version: Lasta-95 |
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