Soko G-2 "Galeb" / "Gull"
During the 70s and 80s of the 20th century, Yugoslav aircraft production recorded great success. At that time, the best and most famous Yugoslav airplanes were constructed. The first among them is the famous Galeb G-2 (eng. "Gull"). The plane is a project of the Aeronautical Technical Institute, and it was finally assembled at the "Soko" plane factory in Mostar from 1965 to 1985.
The training and combat aircraft "Galeb " G-2 is the first domestic aircraft with a jet engine that was serially produced in Yugoslavia. The first test flight was carried out on July 3, 1961, and the introduction into operational use began in 1965. The "Galeb" was very tolerant of different conditions of exploitation and operational use, and it also used a grass runway. It was shown to the world public for the first time at the international airplane exhibition in Bourges in 1963, when it was declared one of the best airplanes in the world for the purpose of schooling and pilot training.
This aircraft was an important export product of Yugoslavia, and became popular in flying clubs and among private collectors. In addition to being used in the Air Force, the G-2 also flew as part of the "Stars" acrobatic group.
There are several G-2 aircrafts in the collection of the Aeronautical Museum. On the permanent exhibition of the Museum is an example of G-2 that set records for the number of hours flown - 6 000, as well as for the lifespan of use. It was actively used for 20 years before flying to the Aeronautical Museum at the end of its career.
