M-18 Dromader
Polish single-engine agricultural and firefighting aircraft, developed in the mid-1970s, widely utilized globally for cropdusting and aerial firefighting. Key figures: top speed 200 km/h, range 970 km, service ceiling 6,500 m, max takeoff weight 4,200 kg, built 759. In service with 1 air force as of 2026 — Greece (21).
| Crew | 1–2 |
| Length | 9.5 m (31.1 ft) |
| Wingspan | 17.7 m (58.1 ft) |
| Height | 3.7 m (12.1 ft) |
| Wing area | 40 m² (430.6 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 2,710 kg (5,975 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × PZL Kalisz ASz-621R 731 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124 mph) |
| Operational range | 970 km (603 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 6,500 m (21,325 ft) |
| Climb rate | 6.5 m/s (21.3 ft/s) |
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Description
The PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader is a single-engine Polish agricultural and firefighting aircraft designed by WSK-Mielec (later PZL-Mielec) in the mid-1970s. Due to the political situation of operating in an Eastern Bloc country, the manufacturer sought assistance from U.S. aircraft manufacturer Rockwell International to facilitate global sales through U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification. This cooperation resulted in the M-18 sharing outer wing panels and fuselage sections with the Rockwell Thrush Commander, while integrating the ASz-62 engine and structural modifications. The first prototype flew on August 27, 1976, and received Polish certification in September 1978. A total of 759 aircraft were built by 2012. While production has been halted, refurbishments with new WSK "PZL-Kalisz" engines continue, and plans exist to renew production at WZL-2 in Bydgoszcz.
Design
The M-18 features outer wing panels with a NACA 4416 root airfoil and a NACA 4412 tip airfoil. It is powered by a 731 kW (980 hp) PZL Kalisz ASz-621R 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine driving a four-bladed, 3.3-meter diameter PZL Warszawa AW-2-30 constant-speed aluminum alloy propeller. For agricultural and firefighting roles, the aircraft is equipped with a fiberglass hopper located forward of the cockpit, which has a capacity of 2,500 liters of liquid or 2,200 kg of dry chemicals.
Operational History
The Dromader has been exported to 24 countries. Over 200 units operate in the United States, and 15 were sold to China in 2008. Military and state operators include the Hellenic Air Force, the Montenegrin Air Force, Serbia's Agricultural Aviation, and the Croatian Air Force as a former operator. Civil operators utilize the aircraft for cropspraying and firefighting, including the Turkish Aeronautical Association and the former Yugoslav airline Jugoslovenski Aerotransport.
Variants
- M-18: Original single-seat production version, currently available only by special order.
- M-18A: Two-seat version available from 1984 onwards that allows a mechanic or chemical loader to be carried as a passenger.
- M-18AS: Two-cockpit trainer version of the aircraft.
- M-18B: Refined version of the M-18A with increased capacity, which first flew in 1993.
- M-18BS: Two-cockpit trainer variant equipped with a smaller hopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- AUG 12026 Updated Manufacturer updated
- JUN 182026 Created Page created: M-18 Dromader