IAI Arava
Israel Aerospace Industries · Israel · first flew 1969 · transport aircraft
The IAI Arava is an Israeli twin-turboprop STOL transport with a distinctive twin-boom layout, allowing a full-width rear ramp and cargo loading directly through the aft fuselage. It was Israel's first domestically designed and produced aircraft to enter series production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very short boxy fuselage pod on twin tail booms |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-boom high-wing transport with rear-loading ramp between booms
- Fixed undercarriage with large low-pressure tyres for rough strips
- Very short boxy fuselage pod on twin tail booms
The twin-boom layout with a stubby fuselage pod is unique in its class; the fixed undercarriage, high straight wing, and small rear ramp opening between the booms are unmistakable.
Specifications
- The IAI Arava has a length of 13.03 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.96 m (69 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 326 km/h (203 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown on 27 November 1969, the Arava entered service in 1972 and was sold to numerous small air forces and civil operators, particularly in Latin America and Africa. Its ability to operate from short unprepared strips made it attractive for third-world utility use. Around 100 were built.
Variants
The IAI 101 is the military transport; the IAI 102 is the civil freighter; the IAI 201 introduced more powerful engines. A signals intelligence variant was operated by the Israeli Air Force.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Israel, several Latin American countries (Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras), African states, and some Asian operators; a few remain in service.
Related aircraft
- IAI 1124 Westwind
- IAI Nesher
- IAI F-21A Lion
- IAI Kfir
- An-26 (Curl)
- Beechcraft King Air 100
- IAI Arava 201
- Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy Turbine
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