PZL PZL.23B Karaś

PZL · Poland · first flew 1936 · bomber

The PZL.23B Karaś was the principal Polish light bomber and army cooperation aircraft of the late 1930s, serving as the backbone of Poland's bomber arm at the outbreak of World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.68 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Polish light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of 1930s
Fixed spatted undercarriage
Bristol Pegasus radial engine, single-engine monoplane

A low-wing monoplane with a conspicuous fixed, spatted undercarriage, long greenhouse canopy over a three-seat crew, and the distinctive Polish gull-wing profile; the radial engine in an open cowling is prominent.

Specifications

The PZL PZL.23B Karaś has a length of 9.68 m (32 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.95 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 319 km/h (198 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed in the early 1930s, the Karaś entered service with the Polish Air Force in 1936 and was considered a capable aircraft when new, though by 1939 it was badly outmatched. During the September 1939 campaign, Karaś crews flew bravely against overwhelming Luftwaffe opposition, suffering severe losses but making notable attacks on German armour and supply columns.

Variants

The PZL.23A was the initial production version with a Pegasus IIM2 engine; the PZL.23B introduced the more powerful Pegasus VIII and was the main production variant; export versions were sold to Bulgaria as the PZL.43.

Where you'll see it

Served exclusively with the Polish Air Force; after September 1939, surviving aircraft escaped to Romania and some continued flying with Romanian units. No examples survive airworthy.

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