Zlin Z 43
Czech four-seat light aircraft, developed in the late 1960s, capable both as a trainer and a tourer.
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 7.8 m (25.4 ft) |
| Wingspan | 9.8 m (32.0 ft) |
| Height | 2.9 m (9.5 ft) |
| Wing area | 14.5 m² (156.1 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 730 kg (1,609 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Avia M 337A inverted six-cylinder air-cooled inline engine 160 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146 mph) |
| Operational range | 610 km (379 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 3,800 m (12,467 ft) |
| Climb rate | 3.5 m/s (11.5 ft/s) |
Description
Following the successful Z-26 series, the Czechoslovak manufacturer Moravan Otrokovice began developing the Z-40 family, which included a four-seat variant intended for both training and touring roles, the Z-43. A development of the two-seat Z-42, the Z-43 prototype first flew on December 10, 1968. Sharing a significant portion of its structure with its two-seat counterpart, it incorporated a revised fuselage and a more powerful engine. Production commenced in 1972 but proved less commercially successful than the Z-42, ceasing in 1977 after 80 units were completed. A new version, the Z-143, was introduced in 1992 and remains in production.
Design
The Z-43 is a single-engine, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction featuring a fixed nosewheel undercarriage. It shares approximately 80% of its structure with the Z-42, but is distinguished by a revised fuselage designed to accommodate a four-person cabin. Its wings are of a greater span and, unlike the Z-42, do not incorporate a slight forward sweep. Power is supplied by an Avia M 337 A inverted six-cylinder air-cooled inline engine. Normal fuel capacity is 130 liters, with provisions for an additional 110 liters in optional wingtip tanks.
Armament
While the standard Z-43 is an unarmed civil aircraft, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka modified their Z-143 variants to serve as light bombers. These aircraft were reportedly fitted to carry four bombs mounted on the undercarriage, demonstrating the type's capacity for field modification for offensive roles.
Operational History
The Z-43 has seen service with a number of global operators in both civil and military capacities. Military users have included the air forces of Algeria, which produced it locally under license as the Safir-43, as well as Cuba, East Germany, Hungary, and North Macedonia. The most prominent combat use was by the Air Tigers of the LTTE, who utilized modified Z-143s in a 2009 air raid on Colombo, Sri Lanka. During the attack, one aircraft crashed into a government building while the second was shot down by air defenses.
Variants
- Zlín Z-43: The base production model intended for training and touring.
- Zlín Z-43L: An experimental model from 1990 featuring a Lycoming AE10540 D4B5 engine and a distinctive short cowling.
- Zlín Z-43M: An experimental model of which only a single example was constructed.
- Zlín Z-143: An improved model introduced in 1992, powered by a six-cylinder Lycoming O-540 engine.
- Aeronautical Manufacturing Enterprise Safir-43: An Algerian license-built copy of the Zlín Z-43.