L&M Resin Kits

Ikarus S-49A 1/72

The Yugoslav Aircraft industry was, for the most part, loated and destroyed during the subsequent occupation, and many skilled personnel lost their lives, but before the end of 1944. a determined effort was being made to ressurect the industry and the Ikarus, Rogožarski and Zmaj concerns were soon undertaking overhaul work. An ambitious programme was initiated for the design and construction of various types of training, liason and sport aircraft as vell as a fighter S-49A. Some urgency was attached to this type as, following its break with the Soviet bloc, Yugoslavia had been thrown upon its own resources for weaponry. In only 11 months based on the Ik-3 conctruction and mixed vith the Yak-3 VK-105 PF 2 powerplant is produced S-49A, developed by the same engineers, Lj. Ilic, K. Sivcev, S. Zrnic and new team member S. Popovic. In June 1949. first flight of the S-49A was occured and 45 serial aircrafts, including prototype was delivered untill 1951. to the 204. and 117. Regiment in Zemun. Both regiments are transfered to the Nis and Skoplje when in 1957. are withdrawn from the use. The reconstruction of the Ik-3 airframe was made in the fuselage shape, changing the canopy in the Yak style, moving the radiator further back, modifying the undercarriage legs and taking the engine originally intended for the Yak-3. In fact, 45 surplus Yak-3 engines were available on thestock. The new engine add some 27 km/h to the top speed of the Ik-3. Armament is also changed to the Soviet standards, 20 mm SVAK cannon and two 12,7 mm UBS machine guns which improved fire power. One Ikarus S-49A, No 2319/19 is in Yugoslav Aviation Museum collection and still waiting to be restored. Structural data: Steel tube fuselage structure with metal and fabric covering. Wooden wing and tail structure. Fully retractable main and rear undercarriage. Yakovlev style sliding canopy.