SOKO J-20 Kraguj

SOKO · Yugoslavia · first flew 1962 · fighter

The SOKO J-20 Kraguj (Sparrowhawk) was a Yugoslav-built single-engine piston-powered light attack aircraft designed for counterinsurgency and close air support missions. Simple and rugged, it was intended to be operated from unprepared airstrips.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.93 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Yugoslav low-wing piston-engine light attack aircraft
Single radial engine with fixed undercarriage and tandem cockpit
Simple counterinsurgency type for close support missions

A compact low-wing monoplane with a radial engine, fixed undercarriage with wheel fairings, and a single tandem cockpit; the overall layout resembles a postwar trainer but with hardpoints for light ordnance under the wings.

Specifications

The SOKO J-20 Kraguj has a length of 7.93 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.64 m (35 ft).
Its maximum speed is 295 km/h (183 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Designed and built by SOKO in Mostar (Yugoslavia), the Kraguj first flew in 1962 and entered service with the Yugoslav Air Force. It was designed to carry light weapons for counterinsurgency operations, reflecting Cold War concerns about partisan warfare. The type served through the 1970s before being replaced by more capable jet aircraft.

Variants

The basic J-20 was the primary production version; no significant variants are recorded.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Yugoslav Air Force from the mid-1960s through the 1970s in the light attack role; not exported.

Related aircraft

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