The first upgraded Avioane Craiova IAR-99 Soim advanced trainer for the Romanian air force has been rolled out and completed ground and taxi tests.
The new-build Soim is based on the IAR-99 airframe built for the Romanian air force in the late 1980s/early 1990s, but is fitted with Elbit Systems avionics.
New avionics include a head-up and multifunction displays, a helmet-mounted sight, modular computer and an inertial/GPS-satellite navigation system. An improved defensive-aids suite is fitted for the aircraft's secondary light attack role.
The avionics suite is similar to the Elbit system for the Aerostar/Elbit Lancer upgrade for the Mikoyan MiG-21, and for the Sniper upgrade for the RSKMiG-29.
Once the first upgraded Soim has concluded air force acceptance tests, it will be handed to the aviation academy, which is due to receive another three this year. The last of 24 aircraft are due to be handed over in 2005. Following the delivery of the last new-build aircraft, Avioane Craiova is due to upgrade 16 of the in-service Soims to the same standard.
Avioane Craiova says it is beginning a global marketing campaign, but declines to reveal the countries it is targeting. The company wants to export around 150 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
