Arava

The IAI Arava is a rugged short‑take‑off and landing (STOL) transport aircraft developed in the late 1960s by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. Conceived to meet the Israeli Air Force’s need for a versatile utility plane capable of operating from unprepared fields, the Arava first flew on 16 February 1969 and entered service in 1970. Its high‑wing, all‑metal airframe is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 turboprop engines delivering 680 shp each, giving the aircraft a maximum payload of roughly 2 tonnes and a range of over 2 000 km. The fixed tricycle landing gear, large flaps and robust wing structure enable operations from sand, snow or grass strips as short as 400 m. The cabin can be configured for cargo, troop transport, medical evacuation, parachute drops or aerial survey, and a rear ramp facilitates rapid loading. Though limited production—only 44 airframes were built—the Arava demonstrated Israel’s ability to design indigenous STOL platforms and influenced later utility aircraft such as the IAI 1124 Westwind. Its adaptability and ease of maintenance have kept it in service with several civilian operators in remote regions, underscoring its lasting impact on rugged aviation.

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

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