SOKO G-2 Galeb (Seagull)

History

Until the mid-1960s, the former Yugoslav countries used American-made T-33 Meteors in advanced jet trainer roles. Its successor is the domestic product known as the G-2 "Galeb" ("Seagull") designed, developed and produced by SOKO.

The product was manufactured from 1965 to 1983, and 248 examples have been completed by then. The only other major operator of the series was Libya, which procured 116s for its air force.

Design work on the aircraft was directed by the VTI (Aviation Technology Institute), which began in 1957. Two prototypes were completed for testing purposes, one of which flew for the first time on July 3, 1961. From 1963, the path to mass production was clear.

It was the first Yugoslav aircraft to be designed, developed and produced.

The G-3 "Galeb-3" is a modified version of the G-2A-E powered by a Rolls-Royce/Bristol Sidley Viper Mk 532 turbojet. In addition to the engine trim, the aircraft features wingtip-mounted camera units and a state-of-the-art cockpit.

Performance has been improved to the point where the weapons load is doubled from the original capability, and JATO (Jet Assisted Takeoff) support provides improved short-field operations. However, this model did not move beyond the prototype stage - the first flight was recorded on August 19, 1970.

The J-1 "Jastreb" ("Eagle") is a single-seat ground attack aircraft of the G-2 with a more powerful engine, additional mounts, and a reinforced bottom. The RJ-1 became the dedicated reconnaissance version of the J-1 line.

The G-2 (and J-1) served combat duty during the Yugoslav Civil War in the 1990s, and the G-2 is still in limited service today (2016) in modern Serbia, while Libya operates them The G-2 only appeared in Libya's civil war in 2011, when government forces tried to quell unrest in the unstable east. Once NATO-administered no-fly zones are established, their usefulness is greatly reduced.

At least five people were reportedly captured by Free Libyan forces in February 2011.

The G-2 line was succeeded by the SOKO G-4 "Super Galeb", which first flew in July 1978 and was introduced in 1983. From 1984 to 1991, 85 examples of this type were built. Its main use remains the Serbian Air Force.

Specification

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