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History: The Galeb
("Seagull") was the first Yugoslavian jet design to enter production. The first G2-A
prototype initially flew in May 1961, and production of the aircraft began in 1963.
Initially built as a two-seat trainer but also as a light attack aircraft, it was flown
primarily by the Yugoslavian Air Academy, but was also exported to both Libya and Zambia
with the designation G2-AE. A single-seat light attack version
called the J-1 Jastreb ("Hawk") was built which
utilized a strengthened airframe and an improved Viper engine with 500 pounds more thrust
than the G2-A.
Another version, called the RJ-1,
was built for tactical reconnaissance, and both the J-1 and RJ-1 were also exported to
Libya and Zambia. In addition, a two-seat TJ-1 was developed for
J-1 conversion training.
Production of the Galeb ended in 1985, but
when Yugoslavia broke up in a violent civil war in the early/mid 1990s, the G-2A was used
extensively by the 105th Fighter-Bomber Regiment of the Serbian Air Force, in combat over
Bosnia-Herzegovina. Before the civil war, at least a dozen Galebs were purchased by
American warbird dealers, and several are still on the civil register today.
Nicknames: Seagull;
Hawk
Specifications (G-2A):
Engine: One 2500-lb thrust Rolls-Royce
Viper II Mk 22-6 turbine engine
Weight: Empty 5775 lbs., Max Takeoff
7690 lbs.
Wing Span: 34ft. 4.5in. without wingtip
tanks
Length: 33ft. 11in.
Height: 10ft. 9in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed:
470mph
Ceiling:
45,000ft.
Range: 770 miles
Armament: Two 12.7mm machine guns in
nose.
Number Built: Unknown,
probably around 300 of all variants.
Number Still Airworthy:
Unknown, approximately 5 in private ownership.
Links:
Galeb Page
Dragan's Galeb Page
Federation
of American Scientists Galeb Page
Virtual Spin, LLC --
Galeb sales in the USA and UK
Yugoslav
Military Soko Page
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