IRYDA - POLISH AIR FORCE

Probably the last military jet trainer of all- Polish design. Developed in the late ‘70s to replace long- serving TS-11. The Iskra-22 was a two-seat subsonic, advanced trainer and ground attack aircraft of shoulder-mounted swept-wing layout. Powered by two SO-3 turbofans, the prototype I-22 flew for the first time in March 1985. The PZL I-22 Iryda were delivered between 1992 and 1995, and used primarily by The Polish Air Force Academy in Deblin. Throughout its service the I-22 was evaluated to M-93 version, re-engined with more powerful K-15. Further improvements were introduced with highly manoeuvrable M-96 variant- differed from I-22 in having superior avionics and redesigned wing (Fowler-type trailing edge flaps). The PZL Iryda enjoyed only a brief career due to political / financial decisions. Polish aircraft was withdrawn from service in 1996 and the project finally abandoned in 2002.