IAI Arava
Summary
| Category | Transport aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| First flight | 27 November 1969 |
| Year of introduction | 1972 |
| Number produced | 103 units |
Description
The IAI Arava is a military aircraft developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) primarily for utility and transport missions. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since been deployed by several air forces and military organizations worldwide. The Arava is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft with a high-wing design, capable of operating from short and unprepared runways. It offers a versatile platform for various missions including troop and cargo transport, aerial survey, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations. The IAI Arava's rugged design and functional capabilities have made it a reliable asset for numerous military operations globally.
Technical specifications
| Version: A-202 | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 326 km/h (203 mph) |
| Wing area | 43.7 m² (470.2 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 21.0 m (68.8 ft) |
| Height | 5.2 m (17.1 ft) |
| Length | 12.7 m (41.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 7620 m (25000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4050 kg (8929 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 7711 kg (17000 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 6.6 m/s (21.7 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turboprops Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-36 delivering 559 kW |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Venezuela | 4 | |
|
El Salvador | 3 | |
|
Ecuador | 2 | |
|
Colombia | 1 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
All operators
Colombia • Ecuador • Haiti • Israel • Liberia • Mexico • Nicaragua • El Salvador • Thailand • Venezuela
Photo of Arava
Credits: Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti