UTVA 75

{{Short description|Serbian light utility aircraft}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = UTVA 75 | image = File:MoD - 40th Anniversary Utva 75.jpg | caption = Serbian Air Force Utva 75 | type = Military Trainer Aircraft / Civilian Trainer Aircraft | national_origin = {{YUG}} | manufacturer = UTVA | designer = | first_flight = 19 May 1976<ref name="utva-75">{{cite web|url=http://www.vs.rs/index.php?content=5106b9ad-01a9-102c-812e-c80ad71b00ad|title=Školski avion UTVA-75|publisher=Vojska Srbije|access-date=10 July 2013}}</ref> | introduction = 1978 | status = Active | primary_user = Serbia Air Force | more_users = | program cost = | unit cost = }} The '''UTVA 75'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=UTVA Aircraft Industry |date=6 January 2021 |url=https://utva-avio.com/about-us/}}</ref> is a light utility aircraft produced by the Serbian aircraft manufacturer [https://utva-avio.com/sr/ UTVA]. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and has since been used primarily for training, reconnaissance, and light transport roles. Known for its reliability and versatility, the UTVA 75 has been adopted by several military and civilian operators around the world.right|thumb|Slovenian Utva-75 thumb|Utva-75 Serbian air force thumb|Utva-75 Serbian RViPVO [[File:Montenegrian air force Utva 75 at golubovci airbase.JPG|thumb|Montenegrin Air Force Utva 75]] thumb|Montenegrin Utva-75 thumb|Utva Sova - further development of the aircraft right|thumb|The sole SAFAT 03, developed from the UTVA 75. The development of the UTVA 75 began in the early 1970s in response to a need for a new primary trainer aircraft for the Yugoslav Air Force. The first prototype took to the skies in 1976, and following successful testing, the aircraft entered production in 1978. Over the years, the UTVA 75 has seen various upgrades and modifications to enhance its performance and capabilities.

Designed in 1975 to replace the UTVA Aero 3 as the primary basic trainer in the Yugoslav Air Force. It features upward opening gull-wingtype access doors to the two-seat side-by-side cockpit. Another characteristic is a row of air scoops, presumably for cockpit ventilation, in the central front frame of the cockpit. The Utva 75 made its maiden flight in 1976. Between 1978 and 1985, a total of 136 UTVA 75s were produced for the former Yugoslav Air Force. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, many were passed on to successor states such as Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro.

==Development== The UTVA 75 features a fully metallic, semi-monocoque airframe, which provides structural strength and durability. The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine, capable of delivering 210 horsepower. This engine configuration allows the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of 209 km/h (113 knots) and a service ceiling of 4,178 meters (13,708 feet).

The low-wing design of the UTVA 75 contributes to its stability and maneuverability, which are essential for training and acrobatic maneuvers. The fixed landing gear ensures reliability and reduces maintenance complexity, making it easier for training operations. The cabin is ergonomically designed, featuring adjustable seats and pedals, and provides ample room for both pilots, enhancing comfort during long training sessions.

==Design== {{unreferenced section|date=August 2023}} The UTVA 75 is designed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrašinović |first=Danilo |date=Jul 2013 |title=Light aircraft UTVA 75 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Light-aircraft-UTVA-75_fig1_274739758 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref> as a low-wing monoplane, emphasizing simplicity and robustness, ideal for training and light utility roles. Here are some detailed aspects of its design and development:

=== Airframe and Structure === The UTVA 75 features an all-metal construction, primarily using aluminum alloys, which provides a good balance between strength and weight. The low-wing configuration offers excellent visibility for the pilots, which is particularly beneficial during training flights and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft's fixed tricycle landing gear is designed to be sturdy and reliable, capable of operating from both paved runways and rough airstrips.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Aleksandar |first=Aleksandar |date=Jul 2013 |title=Light aircraft UTVA 75 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Light-aircraft-UTVA-75_fig1_274739758 |journal=ResearchGate}}</ref>

=== Powerplant === The aircraft is powered by a single Lycoming IO-360 engine, a four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed piston engine. This engine produces 180 horsepower, providing the UTVA 75 with sufficient power for its various roles. The engine is equipped with a two-blade fixed-pitch propeller, which is simple to maintain and operate.

=== Cockpit and Avionics === The cockpit of the UTVA 75 is designed for two occupants, typically a student and an instructor in a side-by-side seating arrangement. This setup allows for effective communication and instruction during training flights. The aircraft is equipped with dual flight controls, ensuring that both the student and the instructor can operate the aircraft.

The avionics suite in the UTVA 75 is relatively basic, reflecting its primary role as a training aircraft. However, it includes all necessary instruments for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight, such as airspeed indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and a standard set of engine gauges. Some variants may be equipped with additional avionics for specific roles, such as navigation aids for the reconnaissance variant.

==Operational history== {{unreferenced section|date=August 2023}}

=== Performance and Handling === The UTVA 75 is designed to be a stable and forgiving aircraft, making it an excellent platform for primary flight training. Its low-wing configuration and moderate wing loading provide good low-speed handling characteristics and short takeoff and landing capabilities. The aircraft's control surfaces are large and responsive, contributing to its easy handling and maneuverability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2018 |title=Flight Report – That 70s Plane: Flying The UTVA 75 Trainer |url=https://achtungskyhawk.com/2018/04/24/flight-report-that-70s-plane-flying-the-utva-75-trainer/}}</ref>

=== Modifications and Upgrades === Over the years, the UTVA 75 has seen several modifications and upgrades to enhance its performance and adapt it to different roles. These modifications include reinforced landing gear for rough-field operations, additional fuel tanks for extended range, and various mission-specific equipment such as cameras and crop-dusting apparatus.

=== Operational Use === The UTVA 75 has proven to be a versatile and reliable aircraft, serving in various roles beyond primary training. It has been used for aerial reconnaissance, light transport, liaison duties, and even agricultural applications. Its simple design and robust construction have made it a favorite among operators who require a dependable and easy-to-maintain aircraft.

Overall, the design of the UTVA 75 reflects its intended purpose as a multi-role utility aircraft. Its combination of simplicity, reliability, and versatility has ensured its continued use by both military and civilian operators around the world.

==Variants== ;UTVA 75A11: Single-seat agricultural aircraft, largely using the Utva 75 airframe.<ref name=JAWA88-89/> ;UTVA-75A21: Two-seater with dual controls and provisions for blind instrument flying.<ref name=JAWA88-89/> ;UTVA-75A41: Four-seater with advanced avionics, first flown in 1986.<ref name=JAWA88-89/> ;SAFAT 03: A development of the UTVA 75 from the SAFAT Aviation Complex at Khartoum, Sudan, with a modified fuselage and tail fin. To confuse matters the Sudanese Government marked up a standard UTVA 75 as a SAFAT 03. One example known, which was displayed at the Dubai Air Show in 2011.

== Operators == ;{{SUD}} *Sudanese Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurofighter.com/eurofighter-world/airshows-events/dubai-air-show-2011/dubai-air-show-blog-2011.html|title=Eurofighter: Dubai Air Show 2011|publisher=Eurofighter|date=17 November 2011|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515235448/http://www.eurofighter.com/eurofighter-world/airshows-events/dubai-air-show-2011/dubai-air-show-blog-2011.html|archive-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> ;{{flag|Somaliland}} *Somaliland Armed Forces → Four purchased for civilian aviation and military purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radić |first=Aleksandar |date=2024-10-23 |title=Novo ratno vazduhoplovstvo osnovano sa srpskim avionima |url=https://www.balkansec.net/post/novo-ratno-vazduhoplovstvo-osnovano-sa-srpskim-avionima |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Balkansec.net |language=bs}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |editor1-last=Winchester |editor1-first=Jim |title=UTVA-75: Versatile Balkan Trainer |journal=Aviation Archive: Prop Trainers and Ground Attack Aircraft |date=2026 |issue=83 |page=66 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford, Lincolnshire, England}}</ref> ;{{SLO}} *Slovenian Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202331.html |title= World Air Forces 1997 pg. 621 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> → Handed over entirely to aeroclubs for use *Letalski center Maribor → Civil operator (1989–2022) ;{{HRV}} *Croatian Air Force ;{{BiH}} *Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina<ref name="MilBal2007">{{cite book |editor1-last=Langton |editor1-first=Christopher |title=The Military Balance |date=2007 |publisher=Routledge |location=Abingdon, Oxfordshire |isbn=978-1-85743-437-8 |issn=0459-7222 |page=160 |url=https://archive.org/details/militarybalance200unse/ |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> ;{{flagcountry|Republika Srpska (1992–1995)}} *Republika Srpska Air Force<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ripley |first1=Tim |title=Conflict in the Balkans 1991–2000 |date=2013 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |location=Oxford, United Kingdom |isbn=978-1-84603-748-1 |page=81 |edition=PDF e-book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jkq1CwAAQBAJ |language=en |via=Google Books}}</ref> → Passed on to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2006<ref name="MilBal2007" /> ;{{SRB}} *Serbian Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%202331.html |title= World Air Forces 1997 pg. 71 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> ;{{MNE}} *Montenegrin Air Force ;{{flag|North Macedonia}} *North Macedonia Air Brigade ;{{YUG}} *Yugoslav Air Force → Partially handed over for use to aeroclubs

==Specifications (UTVA 75A21)== {{Aircraft specs |ref=''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89'' <ref name=JAWA88-89>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89 |year=1988 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn=0-7106-0867-5 |editor=John W.R. Taylor|pages=499–500}}</ref> |prime units?=met  |genhide=

|crew=2 |capacity= {{convert|210|kg|abbr=on}} max |length m=7.11 |length ft= |length in= |length note= |span m=9.73 |span ft= |span in= |span note= |upper span m= |upper span ft= |upper span in= |upper span note= |mid span m= |mid span ft= |mid span in= |mid span note= |lower span m= |lower span ft= |lower span in= |lower span note= |swept m= |swept ft= |swept in= |swept note= |dia m= |dia ft= |dia in= |dia note= |width m= |width ft= |width in= |width note= |height m=3.15 |height ft= |height in= |height note= |wing area sqm=14.63 |wing area sqft= |wing area note= |swept area sqm= |swept area sqft= |swept area note= |volume m3= |volume ft3= |volume note= |aspect ratio=6.5 |airfoil= |empty weight kg=685 |empty weight lb= |empty weight note=equipped |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg=960 |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity=standard:{{convert|160|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}}: with drop tanks {{convert|360|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} |lift kg= |lift lb= |lift note= |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Lycoming IO-360-B1F |eng1 type=4-cyl. air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine |eng1 kw=134 |eng1 hp= |eng1 shp= |eng1 kn= |eng1 lbf= |eng1 note= |power original= |thrust original= |eng1 kn-ab= |eng1 lbf-ab=

|max speed kmh=215 |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh=165 |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh=95 |stall speed mph= |stall speed kts= |stall speed note=flaps up at idle :::::{{convert|82|kph|mph kn|abbr=on}} 25° flap at idle |never exceed speed kmh=270 |never exceed speed mph=168 |never exceed speed kts=146 |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed mph= |minimum control speed kts= |minimum control speed note= |range km=800 |range miles= |range nmi= |range note= |combat range km= |combat range miles= |combat range nmi= |combat range note= |ferry range km=2000 |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m=4000 |ceiling ft= |ceiling note= |g limits=+4.4 -2.2 |roll rate= |glide ratio= |climb rate ms=4.5 |climb rate ftmin= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading lb/sqft= |wing loading note= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass= |thrust/weight=

|more performance= *'''Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15 m):''' 501 m grass at Sea Level *'''Landing distance from 50 ft (15 m):''' 450 m grass at Sea Level <!--

Armament --> |guns= |bombs= |rockets= |missiles= |hardpoints=2 |hardpoint capacity={{convert|150|kg|abbr=on}} each |hardpoint rockets=2 × RL 128-02 128 mm (HVAR-5), or 2 × {{convert|57|mm|in}} rocket launchers with 12 rockets |hardpoint missiles= |hardpoint bombs=2 × 120 kg bombs, or 4 × 50 kg bombs |hardpoint other=2 × MAC-AA-52 container with 7.62 mm, or 2 × cargo container 100 kg capacity, or 2 × drop tanks ' |avionics=*''' standard''' (model 75) KING KR85 ADF and KING KY 195B <br> *''' optional''' (model 75A catalog only) KING KR87 ADF, RNAV KING KNS81 VOR/LOC: KING KN 53, KING KY 197 Indicators: HSI KING KI 525A, and RMI KING KI 229, DME:KING KN 62A, Transponder: KING KT 79, Audio panel: KING KMA 24 }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |see also=* Utva 66 |related= |similar aircraft= *Zlin Z 142 |lists= }}

==References== {{Commons category|UTVA-75}} {{reflist}}

Category:1970s Yugoslav military trainer aircraft Category:1970s Yugoslav civil trainer aircraft 75 Category:Military Technical Institute Belgrade Category:Glider tugs Category:Low-wing aircraft Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1976 Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear Category:Single-engined piston aircraft