Design and Development
The J-21 Jastreb was developed as a replacement for the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, which had been the most commonly used turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft of the Yugoslavian Air Force until 1967. On the basis of the first successful project the G-2A Galeb was developed as a single seat ground attack variant of the J-1 Jastreb. The first prototype took it's maiden flight on 19 July 1965. The J-21 went into operational duty on 26 September 1968. The first serial production aircraft, the J-21 has been put into operational use in the JRV (Yugoslavian Air Force) on 31 December 1968. Compared to the G-2 Galeb, the Jastreb could carry more weapons due to a redesign focused on structural strengthening. Besides the three machine guns mounted in the nose of the aircraft (Colt-Browning M3 AN 12.7 mm cal., each with 135 bullets), the Jastreb is able to carry up to 800 kg of cargo on under-wing hardpoints. Two internal under-wing hardpoints have a capacity of 250 kg for bombs, rocket launchers and additional tanks, while the two outer hardpoints provide area for guided missiles HVAR .
The maximum speed of J-21 Jastreb, at an altitude of 5,000 meters and without external load, is 819 km/h (509 mph or 441 knots). While at sea level, with two bombs per 250 kg, the maximum speed is 629 km/h (411 mph or 385 knots). The cruising speed is ranged from 650 to 680 km/h (420 mph). The service ceiling is 12,000 meters (40,000 feet). The range is amounted to 1,150 kilometers, and combat radius ranges from 270 to 360 km. Its wingspan is 10.50 meters (35 ft), and length is 10.88 meters (35 ft 8.5 in). It is powered by one Rolls-Royce/Bristol Siddeley Viper Mk 531 turbojet (13.32 kN or 3,000 lb).
Read more about this topic: Soko J-21 Jastreb
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