Warbird Information Exchange

Would like to hear from anyone that had any experience regarding G-2, the ex-Yugoslavian AF trainer, apparently better than L-29 with the L-39 performance and the realistic annual costs as well as the parts supply...

Thanks

I got a flight in a Galeb, N109PP, about 16 years ago. At the time I didn't have any other jet experience, so I didn't have anything to compare it to besides the GA aircraft I'd flown.

Performance and maneuverability seemed, in retrospect, to be comparable to the T-37. There was a bit of throttle lag, which is not uncommon in engines like that, but it certainly accelerated down the runway better than any Cessna or Piper that I'd flown to that point. Roll performance was also snappier than a 172, but in my best recollection probably similar to the Tweet also.

Unfortunately, I don't have any L-39 time, so I can't really compare it.

The one thing I remember is that there was some kind of G or maneuvering limitation with the tip tanks full.

The pilot of N109PP, a scientist (and I think former Navy pilot) named Dave Shemwell, indicated that the RR engine was easy and inexpensive to find parts for.

Seems like it could be a very fun little aircraft to own/fly.

I have owned my G-2 since 1993. I have put about 175 hours on it and 75 in an L-39. Plus a couple of flights with the two combined.
The Galeb is older in design and not as complex.
If you look at the two wings it is easy to notice that the G-2's wing is quite a bit thinner.
I am no engineer and certainly not a test pilot but I can tell you that the Galeb is a much cleaner airframe and therefore it performs better in the vertical but can not turn as tightly as the L-39. The speeds for the Galeb are very similar to the P-51. I was told they have the same wing design but I can not verify this. They do feel very similar with the Galeb being a little faster in cruise and a lot cheaper to go fast then the P-51.
I once had a mini dog fight with an L-39. When I noticed that he was out turning me by a huge margin I went vertical and lost him with ease. Another time I met up with two 39's descending from the mid teens. I remember the lead L-39 calling out 83% power while I was at idle and bumping the speed brake.
The Galeb is cheaper to maintain but parts are not quite as readily available as the L-39, but when you do need them they are a lot cheaper.
If you have more specific questions feel free to email me.

Some of the dogfight is the machine, but MOST of the dogfight is the man!

I am not knownlegeble about jets, but had one flight at Breckenridge in the Soko wtth Lewis Shaw. I always thought it was nice looking sort of like a smaller T-33. It was pretty slow to accelerate compared to a piston fighter, once in the air seemed to fly well. The controls were not oversensive or twitchy. Lew did some good vertical acro with it. I recall there was one of two parts hard to get, perhaps brakes?

_________________
Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Thank you guys for your honest opinion,there is not many G-2 drivers out there so the info is a crucial, no matter what