Soko G-4 Super Galeb
The G-4 Super Galeb is a tandem-seat low-wing advanced jet trainer/light attack jet of Yugoslav/Serbian origin. The plane was first flown July 17, 1978 and production began in 1983. It was built to replace the G-2 Galeb and Lockheed T-33 in the Yugoslav Air Force. The G-4 Super Galeb is not a modified G-2 Galeb as is claimed in some aircraft books, but an entirely new design.
Development
In the early 1990s the G-4 was a briefly a losing contender in the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program in the U.S and was highly praised by American test pilots who flew it. The Raytheon/Pilatus entry won, and became the T-6 Texan II.
There was also a design for a single-seat version of the G-4 possibly called the G-5, which would have had greater attack capability including a radar. The G-5 project was dropped due to the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
G-4M Super Galeb
The latest version of the G-4 is the G-4M which is currently in an advanced test phase, designed by Lola Utva and tested and researched by the Batajnica Flight Test Centre. Compared to the original G-4, the G-4M has can carry a greater payload, has more advanced avionics, an integrated nav/attack system, a HUD, satisfies HOTAS requirements, and can carry guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. Serbia is already planning to upgrade all its G-4s to G-4M. THere is a new project called G-4MD, with modern electronic.
Variants
- G-4 : Primary armed version
- G-4š : Unarmed trainer version
- G-4t : Target puller
- G-4M : Prototype
Operational service
The G-4 saw extensive combat in both the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War where it was used in the ground attack role.
During the Bosnian War, VRS forces were reported to have used G-4 Super Galeb's. The USAF officials claimed that they had shot down several Super Galebs, But these claims were withdrawn as the only official losses by the VRS were 6 J-21 Jastrebs and two J-22 Oraos from both enemy fire and accidents. after the war only one G-4 Super Galeb was left in Republika Srpska Air Force the rest being flown to Serbia.
Operators
Current Operators
- Serbian Air Force - operates 25 G-4s, upgrading to G-4M.
- Republika Srpska Air Force - operates 1 G-4.
- Myanmar Air Force - operates 12 G-4s.
- Montenegro Air Force - 9 G-4s but not in active use.
Former operators
Yugoslavia- SFR Yugoslav Air Force Operated 60
Specifications (G-4)
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General characteristics
- Crew: two
Performance
Armament
- 1 × 23 mm cannon and various unguided bombs and rockets
In addition to the G-4, the G-4M has payload increased to 1950 kg, and two extra wingtip hard points for R-60/AA-8 Aphid air-to-air missiles. It can also carry the TV-guided AGM-65 Maverick missile, the radio-guided Grom-A air to surface missile (Yugoslav copy of Soviet AS-7 Kerry), and the TV-guided Grom-B air to surface missile (recently Serbian-designed Maverick replacement which is compatible with the Maverick launcher). There is also a laser-guided bomb being designed for it.
External links
- Utva Aircraft
- Yugoimport-SDPR
- Aerosvet Magazine; (entry on it from the International Directory of Design
- Aeroflight
Related content
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era