Flight tests of the Lasta 95 training plane, the first domestically designed aircraft produced at the Utva factory of Pancevo since the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, have begun successfully at the Batajnica military airport, the BETA news agency has learned.

The launch of serial production at the plant is expected after all tests are completed. The Iraqi military has already ordered 20 Lastas, while 16 aircraft are to be produced for the Serbian army to replace the Utva 75 plane in pilot training.

Lasta 95 is a one engine, lowwinged metal aircraft, with two pilot seats, one in front of the other. It is able to take off and land on concrete and grass landing strips.

The aircraft was developed for basic pilot training, while the planes due to be shipped to Iraq will be equipped for combat training.

Lasta 95 is fitted with two underwing weapons carriers capable of bearing 120 kilograms, which can be mounted with machine guns, unguided missile launchers or two 100kilogram bombs.

The aircraft's maximum flight speed is 340 kilometers per hour, its range is 1,060 kilometers, the tactical radius of a loaded plane is 400 kilometers, while its ceiling is 5,200 meters.