REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

www.mod.gov.rs

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Material Resources Sector

Defensive Technologies Department

Military Technical Institute

www.vti.mod.gov.rs

ANALYSIS OF LASTA AIRCRAFT IMPROVEMENT BY INTEGRATION OF A TURBOPROP POWERPLANT

Dragan Ilić

Military Technical Institute, Belgrade, dragan_ilic01@yahoo.com

Vojislav Dević

Military Technical Institute, Belgrade, vojislav.devic@vti.vs.rs

Kosta Velimirović

Military Technical Institute, Belgrade, kolevelimirovic@yahoo.com

Vuk Antonić

Military Technical Institute, Belgrade, vukantonic@gmail.com

Miodrag Milenković-Babić

Military Technical Institute, Belgrade, miodragmbm@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: Feasibility study of converting existing training aircraft into the turboprop airplane is presented in this paper. The main improvements that justify integration of a turboprop powerplant onto existing training aircraft are the increased performance and maneuverability resulting in the higher training qualities and easier conversion to combat jet aircraft.

Different characteristics of foreign turboprop-engined aircraft and turboprop powerplants are analyzed to demonstrate possible increases in Lasta training aircraft performance and capabilities. Two levels of modifications have been analyzed. The medium one incorporates two additional wing weapon hardpoints, larger integral fuel-tanks and other airframe modifications of a new aircraft variant, as well as air-conditioning and oxygen systems, resulting in increased performance and flight ceiling. The minimal one considers integration of a turboprop engine onto existing airframe, outlining performance and usage limitations of modified aircraft. Comparison of training capabilities and pilot training process based on the initial and modified versions of the airplane has been done. Further on, the impact of the modification on the manufacturing process and retooling amount has been analyzed.

Keywords: turboprop, training, aircraft, upgrade, study