IAR 23, IAR 24

About IAR 23 – Source Wikipedia

Role: Light multipurpose aircraft
National origin: Romania
Manufacturer: Industria Aeronautică Română
First flight: 1934
Number built: 1

Specifications (IAR 23)
Data from I Gudju, G Iacobescu, O Ionescu: Romanian Aeronautical Constructions 1905-1974

General characteristics

• Crew: Two pilots
• Capactity:4 passengers
• Length: 8.35 m (27 ft 5 in)
• Wingspan: 12.00 m (39 ft 4 in)
• Height: 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in)
• Wing area: 22.30 m2 (240.00 ft2)
• Empty weight: 980 kg (2156 lb)
• Gross weight: 1920 kg (4224 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 9Qa radial piston, 253 kW (340 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 245 km/h (153 mph)
• Cruise speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
• Range: 2300 km (1437 miles)
• Service ceiling: 4100 m (13,670 ft)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• LWD Szpak, Aero A.200, PZL.26, Messerschmitt Bf 108

Development

The IAR-23 was created in 1934 by the Romanian company Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) as an attempt to design a next-generation fighter for the Royal Romanian Air Force, but because its low power, it was classified only as a civilian touring aircraft. However, it contained many advanced features for its time, including uniquely designed wings. After the installation of additional fuel tanks, it turned into a long-haul touring plane, with a maximum range of 2300 km.
An improved version, the IAR-24, was created in 1935. It used the same airframe, but had a modernized cockpit and a slightly more powerful engine that yielded a higher cruising speed.

Operators

Only one IAR-23 existed, and its tail number was YR-IAR. It was delivered to Major G. Bănciulescu in September 1934, who later undertook several long-haul flights with the aircraft through Europe (from Bucharest to Warsaw, Prague and Vienna). The next year, the IAR-23 was flown to Tel-Aviv and back.
The IAR-24 was manufactured in a single example as well, and it had tail number YR-ACI.
The ultimate fate of both aircraft is unknown.