Utva 66

The UTVA-66 is a STOL light utility and liaison aircraft produced in the former Yugoslavia. A development of the UTVA-56, it first flew in 1966 and was intended largely for use by the Yugoslav military.

Description The UTVA-66 was derived from the UTVA-56, featuring fixed leading-edge slats and a larger tail.

The aircraft was designed to operate from unprepared fields. Its STOL characteristics include fixed leading-edge slats, flaps and drooping ailerons. The cockpit is equipped with dual flight controls. In the ambulance version, the front right seat and rear seats could be removed to accommodate two stretchers. The 66H ("Hidro") variant replaced the fixed landing gear with pontoon floats for operation from bodies of water; these could also be exchanged for skis or wheels.

Operational usage About 130 UTVA-66 aircraft were manufactured.

During the Yugoslav Wars, some aircraft fell into Slovenian and Croatian hands. The last examples were withdrawn from military service in 1999.

A number of aircraft were exported or later appeared in civilian use outside the former Yugoslavia, including in Canada and the United States.

Variants

66AM – Air ambulance version. 66H – Floatplane version. 66V – Armed variant with provisions for underwing armament.

Former military operators

Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatian Air Force

North Macedonia Air Brigade

Republika Srpska Air Force 92nd Light Multi-role Squadron

Slovenian Air Force

Yugoslav Air Force

Aircraft on display Serbia

Museum of Aviation (Belgrade) in Belgrade – a number of UTVA-66 aircraft, including the UTVA-66H, are on display.

Specifications (UTVA-66)

Utva 66

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