Soko 522

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  • Yugoslovian ground attack aircraft
  • 2 place tandem cockpit
  • 600 HP Pratt & Whitney
  • Dual Controls
  • Outflies a T6 at a fraction of the cost
  • Cruise at 165 MPH
  • Only 1900 hrs TT  300 SMOH
  • Great condition, Fresh annual
  • Make An Offer! email George Coy

History

Soko 522 was constructed by team of Yugoslav engineers Sostaric, Marjanovic and Curcic from the Ikarus Aircraft Factory in Zemun. The first prototype flew in February of 1955. After initial success with new aircraft, complete technical documentation was transferred to the Soko Aircraft factory in Mostar which was assigned to start serial production. Production lasted until 1961 and the total production number of this type of aircraft was 110. It was used in training units of Yugoslav Air force until 1978 when the remaining aircraft were transferred to the Air clubs for civil use.

Although quite a useful and reliable aircraft, it will be remembered not for its military service but by its role in many war movies filmed in Yugoslavia during the 60s and 70s. Because of its overall resemblance with Fw 190, it was used in movies to simulate German airplanes. Some of its prominent movie roles are surely role in movie Battle of Neretva which was Yugoslav candidate for Oscar, and Kelly’s Heroes starring Clint Eastwood.

Preserved Aircraft

After retiring from military use, Soko 522 was used by many air clubs around Yugoslavia. Today, there is no airworthy aircraft of this type in any of the ex Yugoslav republics. Some of the specimen were sold to foreign customers and are still flying. Current price for this aircraft is US$100,000.

There is one airworthy Soko 522 is in France [1], another in the USA [2]. There is also one other Soko 522 with the Dixie Wing Commemorative Air force [3] however after making an emergency belly landing it was sent for repairs and is currently not flyable.

Operators

Yugoslavia
Yugoslav Air Force

Specifications (Soko 522)

General characteristics

Crew: two
Length: 8.77 m ()
Wingspan: 11 m ()
Height: 3.69 ()
Wing area: 17.98 m² ()
Empty weight: 2.020 kg ()
Max takeoff weight: 2.564kg ()
Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp air-cooled, 441 kW (600 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 333 km/h
Range: 605 km ()
Service ceiling: 5.070 m ()
Rate of climb: 7.9 m/s ()

Armament

2 x 12.7 mm Colt Browning machineguns (2×150 bullets)
2 x 50 kg bombs