TS-11 Iskra "Spark" (Unusual Aircraft Collection)

The Polish Air Force jet display team, called the "White and Red Sparks", flying TS-11 Iskra ("spark") trainers at the 2006 Czech International Air Fair near the town of Brno.

The Iskra was developed as a jet trainer in Poland, first flying in 1960 using a British jet engine.   It was the first jet aircraftdesigned in Poland, and is now the oldest jet still in operation in that country.   About 75 of them were also exported to India, but these were retired in 2004.

The Iskra is certainly in the running for the "ugliest airplane" prize, along with other trainers like the Fouga Magister, theT-2 Buckeye and the TR-9 Spitfire.