22.09.2023
Cooperation in the field of culture with the Republic of North Macedonia
With the signing of an international agreement between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of North Macedonia, within the Open Balkans initiative, a positive example of cooperation in the field of culture in the region and in the relationship between the two countries was achieved. The glider "Ilindenka", which is kept in the Aeronautical Museum and represents a cultural asset of the Republic of Serbia, in compliance with all legal procedures and regulations that regulate the museum's activity, has been temporarily ceded for exhibition and display in the Republic of North Macedonia.
The single-seater competition glider of the wooden construction and standard class "Ilindenka 1T" was designed by engineer Miloš Ilić, and the first example took off in 1955. A total of 4 gliders of this type were built, and the glider "Ilindenka" (YU-4109) owned by the Aeronautical Museum bears the markings of the Aeronautical Technical Center Vršac and was originally used in the Vršac Gliding Center. It has been in the collection of the Aeronautical Museum since 1972, as a gift from the Aeroclub "Heroj Pinky" from Novi Sad.
The glider was shown on September 16, 2023 at the air show in Skopje, in which members of the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense participated. "Skoplje" Aero Club will carry out a complete restoration of "Ilindenka", as the only aircraft that was produced on the territory of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the "20. May" in Skopje for the needs of the Air Force of Yugoslavia. After the restoration and return to Serbia, the glider will be exhibited at the permanent exhibition of the Aeronautical Museum.
