Hispano HA-220 Saeta
Hispano Aviación · Spain · first flew 1955 · fighter
The Hispano HA-220 Super Saeta is the single-engine jet advanced trainer and light attack variant developed from the earlier twin-engine HA-200 Saeta, powered by a single Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet in a redesigned fuselage. It served the Spanish Air Force in both training and counter-insurgency roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Spanish single-jet advanced trainer and light attack aircraft
- Straight mid-wing with tip tanks and ventral air intake
- Tandem cockpit with prominent clear canopies
The single engine with ventral intake beneath the fuselage distinguishes the HA-220 from the twin-engine HA-200; straight mid-wing with pronounced tip tanks is a consistent Saeta recognition feature.
Specifications
- The Hispano HA-220 Saeta has a length of 9 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.93 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 750 km/h (466 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Spain's Hispano Aviación developed the HA-200 Saeta with German assistance in the early 1950s as a twin-jet trainer. The HA-220 was a substantially redesigned single-engine development with increased performance and weapons capability, entering EdA service in the late 1950s as the Spaniards sought a capable trainer-attack aircraft.
Variants
The HA-200A and HA-200B were the primary twin-engine trainer variants; the HA-220 represents a significant redesign as a single-engine aircraft with greater attack capability.
Where you'll see it
The Saeta series served the Spanish Ejército del Aire through the 1950s to 1970s, with the HA-220 equipping light attack units until replaced by more modern types. Egypt also operated the HA-200 in combat.
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