IAR-99 Soim
Avioane Craiova · Romania · first flew 1985 · fighter
The IAR-99 Soim (Hawk) is a Romanian subsonic jet trainer and light attack aircraft, conceived to replace elderly L-29 and L-39 machines in domestic service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.01 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single Viper turbojet trainer
- Straight low-set wing
- Stepped tandem canopy
Identify it by the single ventral-fed turbojet, the straight low wing, the tall conventional fin and the two-step tandem cockpit with a distinctly bulged canopy.
Specifications
- The IAR-99 Soim has a length of 11.01 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.85 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 865 km/h (537 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by INCAS and built by Avioane Craiova, the prototype flew on 21 December 1985 powered by a licence-built Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet. Development pressed on through Romania's political upheaval, leading to the avionics-upgraded IAR-99C.
Variants
The initial IAR-99 was a straightforward trainer, while the IAR-99C added a modern Israeli-derived glass cockpit and hardpoints for guided weapons. A further Standard upgrade programme has kept surviving airframes viable.
Where you'll see it
The Soim has flown only with the Romanian Air Force, serving both as an advanced trainer and as a light strike platform; it has never operated in UK service, though it fills the same niche as the BAE Hawk.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.