Rogožarski IKZ

Yugoslavian pilots with the first production IKZ, Summer 1940

The what? The Yugoslavian Rogožarski IKZ fighter, also known at times as the IK-3 (the 3 and Z in Cyrillic are very similar in appearance, hence the "error"). The three designers/developers of the IKZ were Ljubomir Ilic, Kosta Sivcev, and Slobodan Zrnic, hence the IKZ designation. The low wing fighter was designed in the mid-1930s, having its first flight in May 1938, and going into production March 1940. Only thirteen of the IKZ were built, but they did see some action in April 1941 when Yugoslavia was invaded by the Axis powers. In its first encounter against the Germans, five IKZs claimed five Bf.109Es as kills, while losing a pair of IKZs in return. During other sorties against German bomber formations, the pilots manning the IKZ would claim four twin-engine bombers shot down, with one IKZ taking fifty-six hits, but managing to return to base. Other claims were a Junkers Ju 87 and a Bf 110 before the Yugoslavs, with their bases being threatened of being overrun, burned the remaining IKZs. One pilot, Milislav Semiz, claimed four victories during the short campaign. The IKZs were distributed in two squadrons in the Yugoslavian 51st Fighter Group.

The IKZ had a smaller turning radius than the Messerschmitt Bf 109E, and a smaller wingspan than the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, which in turn gave it a higher speed for its Avia-built Hispano-Suiza V-12 liquid-cooled engine that developed 860 horsepower. The Yugoslavs tested the IKZ against the Hawker Fury, Heinkel He 112, the Morane-Saulnier M.S.406, and the Hurricane. Performance most closely matched the Morane-Saulnier, although the IKZ was faster by twenty-five miles per hour. In mock combat against the Messerschmitt, it was found that the IKZ was more maneuverable in level flight, allowing the Yugoslav fighter to perform tighter turns and get on the tail of the German fighter. As the Bf 109E uses the B maneuver chart, in order to replicate tighter level flight turns the IKZ should use the A maneuver chart.`

So, not being an expert on things like wing loading, roll rate, and other assorted values, what I can determine is that the IKZ climbed about 2,300 feet per minute, while the Bf 109E climbed about 3,500 feet during the same timeframe. Hence, the IKZ needs to climb at a slower rate than the Messerschmitt. The MS.406 and IKZ had an identical rate of climb, so I can use the French fighter's climb rate. I have no idea how to determine dive speed, so I am just using the Morane's rate. The following is are the suggested airplane stats for the IKZ:

One may suggest, based on the account of an IKZ surviving fifty-six hits, that the robustness rating should be increased to R2.

Miniatures

Who makes the IKZ? Well, there is good news (for me) and less than good news (for others) when it comes to sourcing the IKZ. Leading Edge Miniatures made a lovely 1/285th scale casting of the Rogožarski, and while Museum Miniatures bought that range some years ago, they seem to be out of production these days (and they have no interest, due to a lack of interest, in returning the range to production). I was able to secure ten of these miniatures from Noble Knight Games, a place that usually charges too much for used items, but at three bucks a pop, I cleaned them out. No, I do not need ten IKZs, but as my friends The G Dog and the J Dog say, "If you want it, buy it, because you never know when it might become unavailable." I will not need more than four or six, so if you want a couple leave a comment. I will only charge the paltry sum of one million dollars!

How the Leading Edge planes were packaged - a little historical background in a small baggie

Very clean lines on the casting. Shame they are no longer in production

Another angle

However, although Leading Edge is no longer available, you are in a bit of luck - Heroics & Ros make the IKZ (listed as a IK-3) in 1/300 scale. H&R's lower quality may be an issue for potential buyers, but at least there is an option. Did I mention my price for my extra Leading Edge IKZs?

Decals

No problem here as Flight Deck Decals makes a set of Royal Yugoslav Air Force national insignia in 1/300 scale. One will have to paint the fin flash on the rudder as I have yet to find Yugoslavian flashes. The aircraft numbers are so small that they probably would not be worth trying to replicate in 1/285.

Aircraft Colors

Here is a bit of a problem as the various sources are all over the map. I have seen both darker toned camouflage and a much brighter version. I prefer the darker tone, but not being an expert cannot say that the lighter colors are not the way to go. An eye of the beholder situation to be certain. One publication provides the following colors: Light Blue Gray - RAL 7035 - FS14424, Ochre Yellow - RAL 8001 - FS 10266, Dark Green - RAL 6003 - FS 14096 (Vallejo 71.092 Medium Olive), Dark Brown - RAL 8017 - FS 10045 (Vallejo 71.041 Armor Brown).

Feeling too much yellow in the tan

A more subtle color scheme

This one feels a bit too muted

Looks pretty good to me, albeit a tad dark!

Learn More

The IK range of fighter aircraft was the focus of a Profile Publications Aircraft Profile (#242), which can be still found for varying prices on places like eBay. This is one of the later Profiles, with expanded pages. There are also other, but far more expensive, books on the IKZ, such as Kagero's Rogožarski IK-3, in their Monographs series. At 184 pages it is the definitive account of the indigenous IKZ and of course I just had to buy a copy. It is filled with information and profusely illustrated with photos. It also contains numerous scale plans and a section on the post war follow-on, the S-49.

Add in a couple of YouTube videos - Ed Nash's Military Matters and Aviation Deep Dive nicely cover the IKZ.