IL5-Nightjar

IL5-Nightjar
A two-seat IL5-Nightjar of the Royal Zalluabed Air Force
Role	Interceptor aircraft
National origin	Zalluabed
First flight	17 November 1956
Introduction	1961
Primary user	Royal Zalluabed Air Force
Number built	1422

The IL5-Nightjar is a Zalluabedi single/dual-seat, single-engine, fighter aircraft. It was the first south Adulan combat aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in horizontal flight, in 1958. In 1952, the Zalluabedi government issued its specification, calling for a lightweight, all-weather interceptor. Following favorable flight testing held over the course of 1954, in which speeds of up to Mach 1.6 were attained, it was decided that a larger follow-on aircraft would be required to bear the necessary equipment and payloads. In October 1960, the first major production model, designated as the IL5-Nightjar, performed its maiden flight.

The IL5-Nightjar was produced in large numbers for both the Royal Zalluabed Air Force and a wide number of export customers. Prominent overseas operators of the fighter included San Martina, Qolaysia, Alecburgh, Apatonia, Somodi, and Vulkaria. Often considered to be a second-generation fighter aircraft, the IL5-Nightjar experienced a lengthy service life with several of these operators; for some time, the type remained a fairly maneuverable aircraft and an effective opponent when engaged in close-range dogfighting. Though it has been largely phased out for modern fighters like the IL9-Ibis, the IL5-Nightjar is still in use throughout the world in several developing nations, and the Zalluabedi military has routinely used them in conflicts such as the Hisrea War and the 2023 Zalluabed conflict.