- Yes
- No
Part of the Yugoslav Air Tree suggestion
Introduction:
The Rogožarski R-313, also known as SIM-XV, was a twin-engine light-bomber/reconnaissance aircraft designed and built by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia shortly before the outbreak of WWII. A single prototype was completed in 1940, but plans for serial production were never fulfilled due to the war and the plane was sold to the Independent State of Croatia by the Germans during the occupation.
Specifications:
Crew: 2
Dimensions
Length: 11.00 m
Wingspan: 13.00 m
Height: 2.68 m
Wing area: 26.40 m²
Mass
Empty: 2,950 kg
Gross: 4,270 kg
Propulsion
Engine: 2 x Walter Sagita I-SR
Power: 2 x 368 kW (493 hp)
Performance
Max. speed at sea level: 376 km/h
Max. speed at optimal altitude: 450 km/h
Range: 1,000 km
Flight ceiling: 8,000 m
Climbing speed: 500 m/min (8.3 m/s)
Armament
Offensive: 1 x 20mm Hispano HS.404
Defensive: 1 x 7.92mm Browning FN in a dorsal turret
Suspended: 4 x 106 kg Stanković bombs in internal bay (424 kg total bomb load)
History:
The Rogožarski factory in Belgrade began work on designing a heavy fighter in the summer of 1937, initially designated SIM-XV but re-designated R-313 at the request of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force’s command. Prototype construction began in 1938 and was completed in early 1940, with the R-313’s first flight in April of 1940. The project’s role was changed from a heavy fighter to a light bomber/reconnaissance aircraft during its design, and Rogožarski’s experience in the previous twin-engined SIM-XIV for the Yugoslav Navy played a role in its quick construction.
The aircraft was of wooden construction, with twin horizontal stabilizers and trapezoidal wings with round ends. One Walter Sagitta I-SR engine was mounted on each wing with three-bladed metal propellers, and the two front landing wheels were retractable. The R-313 made a favorable impression to the Air Force, being noted for excellent performance but with a major drawback being its weak engines. Engineers proposed replacing them with the Rolls Royce Merlin or the Daimler-Benz DB 601, but the idea was never realized. A serial production of 25 aircraft for the light bomber/reconnaissance role was planned but the war disrupted any such plans.
The German invasion of Yugoslavia found the R-313 assigned to the 603rd Training Squadron. The prototype attempted to take off on April 12, 1941, but it was damaged and abandoned during the retreat. The Germans captured the aircraft a month later, and sold it to the Independent State of Croatia where it received the name “Независни” or “Independent”. During its first test flight on May 19, 1942, it crashed due to previous sabotage and the damage was too serious to repair. That is where the story of the R-313 ends.
Gallery:
Spoiler
The Walter Saggitarius I-SR, the engine for the R-313.
An image of the Yugoslav Stanković bomb, the one used by the R-313.
Sources: