WSK Mielec TS-11 "Iskra" bis B

In 1956 Polish Air Force Command ordered a jet trainer aircraft in Tadeusz Soltyk constructors team. The prototype of the TS–11 "Iskra" (Spark) was first flown in February 5, 1960. On August 1961 "Iskra" was to take part in competition for Warsaw Pact new jet trainer aircraft width Czechoslovakian L-29 "Delfin" and Soviet Yak-30. "Iskra" had been the best on from this aircrafts but Soviet Government decided to buy L-29 "Delfin". Serial production began in 1963 and when production ended in 1987, a total of 424 TS-11 in five main versions (and 4 prototypes) have been produced for the Polish and India Air Forces. Many of old "Iskra" (ca. 50) had been sold to USA and Australia as civil jets.

Serial versions of TS-11:
"Iskra" bis – standard trainer
"Iskra" bis B – trainer with four underwings pods
"Iskra" bis C – reconnaissance with 3 cameras
"Iskra" bis D – improved trainer/attack
"Iskra" bis DF – improved trainer/ reconnaissance with 3 cameras

On 1975/1976 50 new and on 1998 12 used "Iskra" bis D had been exported to India and used in Air Force Academy (Fighter Training Wing), in Hakimpet.

Museum Example

Manufacturer: WSK Mielec (Poland)
Manufacture Date: 26 Mar 1970
Serial #: 1H-05-06
Last Registration #: 0506

History

Mar 1970, To 60th Trainer Squadron, Radom.
On April 11, 1972 crash landing after engine breakdown. Repaired to non flying status.
04 Oct 1972, To Air Force Technical School, Zamosc.
23 Jan 1987, To Secondary School in Zielona Gora.
10 Apr 1992, To Museum.

Technical data

Wingspan: 10.06 m
Length: 11.25 m
Height: 3.50 m
Empty Weight: 2,480 kg
Operational Weight: 3,243-3,840 kg
Maximum Speed: 720 kph
Cruising Speed: 600 kph
Service Ceiling: 11,000 m
Range: 1200 km
Crew: instructor & student
Powerplant: SO-1 of 1,000 kg thrust
Armament (fixed): one NS-23 23 mm cannon
Armament (disposable): 400 kg of bombs, rocket launchers, guns containers in four points under the wings

Plastic Models

1/72 TS-11 Iskra bis - Plastyk

(c) Copyright Leszek Chmielewski 1997-2008