PZL Mielec M-93 Iryda

PZL Mielec · Poland · first flew 1985 · fighter

The PZL Iryda (also designated M-93) was a Polish twin-jet advanced trainer and light attack aircraft developed by PZL Mielec, representing Poland's most ambitious indigenous jet aircraft programme of the Cold War era. It featured a low swept wing and tandem cockpit.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	Low-swept wing with engines in fuselage-side intakes
T — Tail	Conventional

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Polish twin-jet advanced trainer with side-by-side seating
Low-swept wing with engines in fuselage-side intakes
Only Polish-designed jet trainer to reach prototype stage

Identified by its twin side-intake turbojet engines, low swept wing, tandem two-seat configuration, and the overall silhouette similar to contemporary Eastern European jet trainers.

Specifications

The PZL Mielec M-93 Iryda has a length of 13.22 m (43 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
Its maximum speed is 940 km/h (584 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

First flown in 1985, the Iryda underwent a prolonged development hampered by engine problems and funding difficulties. The Polish Air Force evaluated it as a replacement for the TS-11 Iskra but the programme was ultimately cancelled without entering service.

Variants

Several prototype configurations were tested with different engine fits including both Polish and Western powerplants.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service with the Polish Air Force despite extended evaluation; the programme was cancelled in the late 1990s.

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