Soko J-1 JASTREB

The Yugoslav Air Force was forced to replace its fleet of F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bombers in the mid-1960s, and this led to the start of a program that culminated in 1969 with the entry into service of the new Soko J-1 ( J-21) Jastreb. The Jastreb took the G-2 Galeb training and light attack aircraft as a basis for its development. A new cockpit for a single pilot and a more powerful Rolls-Royce Viper Mk531 engine were installed. In addition, several underwing hardpoints were mounted and some structural reinforcements were made to improve the capacities of the aircraft. Three fixed 12.7mm machine guns were installed in the nose and their weapons capacity was about 1,300kg, 800kg could be carried under the wings and 500kg under the belly. Around 250 Jastrebs entered service in 5 different versions, including the RJ-1 armed reconnaissance version and the NJ-1 training version. Currently there are none left in service.

J-1 JASTREB gallery and more info