PZL I-22 Iryda

PZL I-22 Iryda Story

To upgrade its existing inventory of aging TS-11 two-seat single-engine jet trainers, the Polish Air Force advanced a new program in 1976. PZL-Mielec once again took on the task of local design, development and production of the aircraft I-22 "Iryda" satisfies the requirements.

However, due to budget issues and the collapse of pre-production examples, the program was limited to 17 aircraft before it was officially cancelled.

After World War II, the Polish state operated under a communist political system heavily influenced by the Soviet Union until the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1989 (1922-1991). This meant that the Polish aircraft inventory consisted of either local designs or Soviet designs - the TS-11 and I-22 were brought over from the former.

The first flight of the I-22 prototype took place on March 3, 1985. The shape of the aircraft followed the traditions of the time - a high-wing main aircraft, tandem seats for two crew members, and side-by-side turbojets. The engines are drawn in through crescent-shaped air intakes located on either side of the fuselage and expelled through separate ports. The cockpit is located behind the nose cone without radar. The fin consists of a vertical fin with a low mounting level.

Tricycle landing gear was used.

When completed, the aircraft will be 13.2 meters long, with a wingspan of 9.6 meters and a height of 4.3 meters. Curb weight is 10,145 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 16,540 lbs. Propulsion is provided by 2 PZL K-15 series turbojet engines, each producing 3,307 pounds of thrust. Performance specs include a top speed of 585 miles per hour, a maximum range of 745 miles, a service ceiling of 45,000 feet and a rate of climb of 8,000 feet per minute. For now, the I-22 is a subsonic development capable of speeds below Mach 1, but provides a great classroom for jet pilot training.

It is also conceivable that the pedestal also acts as a light attack at some point.

While the I-22 program was promising, its fate was doomed by the crash of a pre-production example - thought to be due to excessive flutter caused by pushing the aircraft's performance beyond specified limits. Combined with growing budget problems in the post-Soviet era, the I-22's service in the Polish Air Force will be limited.

The official introduction took place on December 22, 1992, but its official service period ended as early as 1996 when the line was completely decommissioned.

Before the end, only eight I-22s could work with the Polish Air Force.

Specification

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Production

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes