PZL.23 Karaś
PZL · Poland · first flew 1934 · bomber
The PZL.23 Karaś (Crucian Carp) was the primary Polish light bomber of 1939, a parasol-wing monoplane with fixed undercarriage that bore the brunt of the Luftwaffe assault during the German invasion of Poland. Though obsolescent by 1939, Polish crews flew it with great courage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.68 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Polish light bomber with fixed spatted undercarriage
- Single radial engine on a parasol high-wing monoplane
- Mainstay of Polish bombing squadrons in September 1939
The parasol high wing with prominent strutting, fixed spatted undercarriage, and single radial engine give it a distinctly mid-1930s Polish character akin to the PZL.37 Łoś but much smaller.
Specifications
- The PZL.23 Karaś has a length of 9.68 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.95 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 320 km/h (199 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Karaś entered Polish Air Force service in 1936 and was the standard reconnaissance bomber by 1939. During the September Campaign it suffered heavy losses against modern German fighters but managed some significant strikes. Survivors escaped to Romania and later flew with the French Air Force.
Variants
The PZL.23A was the initial production model; the PZL.23B with the more powerful Bristol Pegasus engine was the main variant; an export PZL.23B version was ordered by Bulgaria.
Where you'll see it
The Polish Air Force was the primary operator; small numbers served with Romania and Bulgaria, and escaped aircraft flew briefly with France in 1940.
Related aircraft
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