A prototype jet-powered training aircraft
In 1997, the Marganski & Myslowski S.A. Aviation Works conceived the idea of creating a jet-powered training aircraft, in response to the urgent demand for this type of aircraft that would replace the worn-out Iskra trainers.
Building on the experience gained during the production of high-class composite gliders and work on the M-16 aircraft conducted at PZL Mielec in the 1970s, an attempt was made to create a small aircraft capable not only of pilot training but also of combat simulation.
Over the course of two years, the aerodynamic concept of the aircraft was developed, with Dr Eng. Krzysztof Kubala working on it. In May 1999, during a session of the National Aviation Council in Bielsko, a full-scale mock-up of the aircraft and the concept of a combat task simulation system were presented.
After securing the financial resources needed for such an advanced project, prototype construction began, though its completion was postponed several times due to difficulties in obtaining a jet engine. During the development, the aircraft’s name was changed; it was originally to be called Iskra II, a reference to the highly successful training aircraft design from the 1960s. Ultimately, the aircraft was given the name “Bielik” (White-tailed Eagle).
The construction of the pre-production specimen was preceded by the creation of a model for wind tunnel testing. A radio-controlled scale model capable of reaching speeds of around 400 km/h was also built under the direction of Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Jerzy Marysiak.
The prototype was first flown on 4 June 2003 in Mielec by test pilot Wieslaw Cena. The aircraft was then powered by a small, single-shaft General Electric J-85 turbojet engine with 1,380 kg – 13.53 kN thrust. For production aircraft, a more powerful turbojet engine (with thrust reaching 1,800 kg – 17.65 kN) with a thrust vectoring system was planned. After two test flights, work on the aircraft was halted and serial production was never started.
The EM-10 “Bielik” was to be produced in two basic versions: military and civilian. In the military version, the aircraft was intended for basic and advanced training, aerobatics, navigation and low-level flying. Additionally, military examples were to be equipped with a simulation system enabling the simulation of weapon handling, observation using radar or thermal imaging of real and computer-generated targets, as well as simulation of enemy air defences. In the civilian version, the “Bielik” was to be used for aerobatics and medium-distance low-altitude flights.
The “Bielik” is the first Polish jet aircraft designed and built by a private company.
| Wingspan | 6.5 m |
| Length | 9.3 m |
| Wing area | 11.9 m2 |
| Empty weight | 1700 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2500 kg |
| Maximum speed | 1100 km/h (Ma=0.9) |
| Rate of climb | 45 m/s |
| Range | 2500 km (with additional tanks) |
| Powerplant | General Electric J-85 turbojet engine with 13.53 kN thrust |
