IAR-23

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.

Development

The IAR-23 was created in 1934 by the Romanian company Industria Aeronautica Romana (IAR) as an attempt to design a next-generation fighter 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.

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. 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.

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

Two pictures and a drawing of the IAR-23
Two pictures and a drawing of the IAR-24

Specifications (IAR-23)

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

General characteristics

Crew: 2 pilots
Capacity: 4 passengers
Length: 8.35 m (27 ft 5 in)
Wingspan: 12.00 m (39 ft 4 in)
Height: 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in)
Wing area: 22.30 m (240.00 ft)
Empty weight: 980 kg (2156 lb)
Gross weight: 1920 kg (4224 lb)
Powerplant: 1 x— Hispano-Suiza 9Qa radial piston, 253 kW (340 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 245 km/h (153 mph)
Cruising speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Range: 2300 km (1437 miles)
Service ceiling: 4100 m (13,670 ft)

Comparable aircraft

LWD Szpak
Aero A.200
PZL.26
Messerschmitt Bf 108

IAR-23 Pictures

More airplane video.

Source: WikiPedia