IAR-23

IAR-23
Role Light multipurpose aircraft
National origin Romania
Manufacturer IAR
First flight 1934
Number built 1

The IAR-23 and IAR-24 were low-wing monoplane light multipurpose aircraft with a conventional undercarriage, built by IAR of Romania.

Contents

Development

The IAR-23 was created in 1934 by the Romanian company Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) as an attempt to design a next-generation fighter[1] for the Royal Romanian Air Force, but because its low power, it was classified only as a civilian touring aircraft. However, it contained many advanced features for its time, including uniquely designed wings. After the installation of additional fuel tanks, it turned into a long-haul touring plane, with a maximum range of 2300 km.[2]

An improved version, the IAR-24, was created in 1935. It used the same airframe, but had a modernized cockpit and a slightly more powerful engine that yielded a higher cruising speed.

Operators

Only one IAR-23 existed, and its tail number was YR-IAR.[3] It was delivered to Major G. Bănciulescu in September 1934, who later undertook several long-haul flights with the aircraft through Europe (from Bucharest to Warsaw, Prague and Vienna). The next year, the IAR-23 was flown to Tel-Aviv and back.[4]

The IAR-24 was manufactured in a single example as well, and it had tail number YR-ACI.

The ultimate fate of both aircraft is unknown.

Pictures

Specifications (IAR-23)

Data from I Gudju, G Iacobescu, O Ionescu: Romanian Aeronautical Constructions 1905-1974

General characteristics

Performance

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ^ Romania's Indigenous Fighter Plane, historynet.com
  2. ^ I Gudju, G Iacobescu, O Ionescu: Romanian Aeronautical Constructions 1905-1974
  3. ^ Civil Aircraft Register - Romania
  4. ^ Avioane Tricolore, Romania's Aircraft Production - The First Twenty-Five Years