"The very successful Yugoslav advance combat trainer Type 213 was designed not long after the end of the W.W.II by engineers of the Design team No.2, Ivo Šoštarić, Stevan Čurić, Mirko Dabinović and Stanko Marjanović. Prototype first flight was on 14th October 1948, and after completing the testing, and modification done, a series were built by aircraft factory "Utva”, Pančevo, where, from 1951 to 1955, were built 196 planes. The main difference between prototype and series planes was in landing gear, which on prototype was similar to those of Il-2 Shtormovic, (retracting backward into under wing nacelle) , while at series planes retracts into wing’s contour, towards fuselage. During production changes also were done, of which, the most important accepting three-section n wing *variant 213-3), while ten planes were converted into air-to-air banner (target towing), designated 213-T.
As power plant were used Ranger engines, acquired from US war surplus stocks. As the Ranger engine was developed for the US Navy aircraft, to be used in condition of increased humidity, in the YAF, during dried air days trainees flew these planes in the morning or evening, when humidity was greater. . By its flying characteristics the 213 didn’t lag behind Harvard, and was very convenient for aerobatic flying, and was appreciated by pilots. The only 213 imperfection was its wooden structure, of limited duration.
The last plane of this type were withdrawn from operative service in the YAF as worn out in November 1960. The airplane on the Air Museum’s display, (the YAF serial 1352, c/n 92), is the last preserved of them. Before reaching the Air Museum, plane was, in the practical class room at the Machine Engineering Faculty, Beograd, as an instructional item, "
