PZL-23 Karas ('Crucian Carp') was a light bomber and*
reconnaissance aircraft, produced from 1936. There*
were made 40 PZL-23A and 210 PZL-23B.*
*
The Karas was a mainstay of Polish tactical bomber*
and reconnaisance aviation in 1939. Its main*
drawback was ineadequate speed. Facing German air*
superiority, they had to operate in small groups or*
single aircraft, without fighter cover, from*
provisional airfields. The Karas was not best suited*
to low-level attacks, and many fell victim of ground*
fire.*
*
In 1939, 64 aircraft were in reconnaissance, and*
50 in bomber escadres. About 166 were used in units*
in total in a course of the campaign.*
19 PZL-23 were evacuated to Romania, and used there.*
*
Max speed 319 km/h (PZL-23B).*
Armament: 3 x 7.92mm MGs (1 pilot's, 1 in upper*
and 1 in lower position)*
Up to 700 kg bombs.*
*
_____________[description by PIBWL]*