PZL-Mielec TS-11 bis B 'Iskra'
HISTORY
- The Iskra (Polish for "Spark") was developed in 1957 by the Polish firm PZL as a primary and advanced jet trainer. The chief designer's name was Tadeusz Soltyk - hence the "TS" in the aircraft's designation. The prototype flew on 05 February 1960, and deliveries to the Polish Air Force began in March of 1963.
- The first aircraft was powered by an imported Armstrong Siddeley Viper 8 engine of 1,750 lb. thrust; subsequent airplanes used a Polish copy of that engine, which was upgraded throughout production. The final production TS-11s used the WSK SO-3W turbojet engine, producing 2,425 lb. of thrust.
- The Iskra was entered into competition for the standard trainer of the Warsaw Pact, but lost to the Aero L-29 Delfin for political reasons. Poland became the only Warsaw pact country to use the Iskra. The only other user was India, which acquired 76 of the aircraft.
- A total of 424 Iskras were built, in eight versions.
- Production ceased in 1987. Poland continued to operate the aircraft until 2002. India retired their Iskras in 2004. Following their operational careers, several TS-11 s were disarmed and sold to private collectors around the world. Planes of Fame Air Museum's Iskra is one of these; it was donated to the museum by its previous owner in 2003.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Status: Static Display |
| Manufacturer: PZL-Mielec |
| Year: 1970 |
| Model: TS-11 Iskra |
| Registration Number: |
| Serial Number: |
| Crew: 2 |
| Max T/O Weight: 8.470 lb. |
| Span: 33 ft. 0 in. |
| Length: 36 ft. 7 in. |
| Height: 11 ft. 6 in. |
| Maximum Speed: 487 mph |
| Cruise Speed: 360 mph |
Rate of Climb: 2,910 ft/min
|
| Power Plant: 1 x WSK SO-3W turbojet engine, 2,425 lb. thrust |
| Range: 780 mi |
| Service Ceiling: 26,100 ft. |
| Armament: None |
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