Photograph:
IAI Arava P2-021 (c/n c/n 082) of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at RAAF Richmond, NSW in 1988 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
Israel
Description:
Light military and commercial transport
Power Plant:
Two 584 kw (783 eshp) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprops
Specifications:
- [Model 201]
- Wingspan: 20.88 m (68 ft 6 in)
- Length: 12.9 m (42 ft 6 in)
- Height: 5.21 m (17 ft 1 in)
- Wing area: 43.68 m² (470.2 sq ft)
- Max cruising speed at 3,050 m (10,000 ft): 293 km/h (182 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 384 m/min (1,260 ft/min)
- Absolute ceiling: 6,706 m (27,000 ft)
- Range with max payload: 161 km (100 miles)
- Range with max fuel (1,578 litres – 347 Imp gals): 1,050 km (650 miles)
- Empty weight: 3,765 (8,300 lb)
- Loaded weight: 6,804 kg (15,000 lb)
History:
The Arava was designed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) as a STOL light transport for civil and military use. It was produced in two variants, the IAI-101 and the IAI-201, examples being supplied to a number of air forces. The first of two prototypes (4X-IAI) flew on 27 November 1969, followed by the second prototype (4X-IAA) on 8 May 1970, but this aircraft was lost during flight testing on 19 November 1970 when a wing strut experienced flutter and failed.
The Model IAI-101B variant was certified in the United States of America as a cargo commuter-liner, ie a convertible passenger cargo aircraft with the advantage of straight-in rear loading. In this role it could also operate in the commuter role with a crew of two and 18 passengers in four-abreast seating with a centre aisle. Examples were supplied to Key West Airlines and Airspur in the United States.
Most aircraft built were the Model IAI-201 to military specifications. In April 1972 a variant was demonstrated fitted with a Librascope gun-sight, mounting 12.7 mm (0.5 in) Browning machine guns in blisters on each side of the forward fuselage, and stores pods on each side of the fuselage accommodating seven 68 mm rockets. In the anti-submarine warfare role it could carry 250 kg (550 lb) of electronics, 12 sonobuoys, and four Mk 44 torpedoes. With clamshell doors at the rear it could carry 24 fully armed troops, or a jeep mounting a 106 mm recoil-less rifle with a combat crew of four. Other roles included navigation trainer, target tug, ambulance, etc.
Final variant was the Model IAI-202 with winglets.
In March 1985 the Papua New Guinea Defence Force took delivery of three IAI-201s (serialled P2-021 [c/n 082 – ex 4X-CUQ]; P2-022 [c/n 083 – ex 4X-CUR] and P2-023 [c/n 083 – ex 4X-CUR]) to replace Douglas C-47s. Following their introduction into service it was found these aircraft were not a success. After a period they were withdrawn and offered for sale. No sale was forthcoming and the aircraft were re-activated and placed back in service, occasionally making visits to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Australia. It seems P2-021 and P2-022 have seen further service but P2-023 has been parked at Jackson’s Field for some years minus engines and other parts, and may have been used for spare parts to keep the other two aircraft airworthy.
Although built in relatively small numbers, with only 103 examples being delivered, mainly to military operators, the Arada was operated by a number of air forces around the world, including Argentina, Bolivia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Liberia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Swaziland, Thailand, Venezuala, Papua New Guinea and Israel, the latter obtaining nine aircraft in 1983.