# Zlin Aircraft

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Czech light aircraft company

Zlin Aircraft Formerly Zlin Aviation Zlin Aviation Works Zlínavion Moravan Industry Aerospace Founded 1934 (1934) Headquarters Otrokovice, Zlín , Czech Republic Revenue 152,185,000 Czech koruna (2016) Operating income −365,000 Czech koruna (2016) Net income 2,492,000 Czech koruna (2016) Total assets 291,600,000 Czech koruna (2016) Number of employees 138 (2016) Parent Baťa (1934–19??) Automobilové závody (1946–1948) Let (1948–1953) Website www.zlinaircraft.eu

**Zlin Aircraft a.s.** (formerly **Moravan Otrokovice**) is a [Czech](/source/Czech_Republic) light aircraft company. It is located at the Zlín Airfield on the outskirts of [Otrokovice](/source/Otrokovice). It is known for the line of [Z-26 Trener](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z_26) and other small aircraft like crop-dusting [Z-37](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z_37) and aerobatics special [Z-50](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z-50).

## History

### Zlínská letecká společnost, a. s. (1934–1938)

Founded in 1934 as **Zlínská letecká společnost, a. s.** (Zlín Aviation company), by [Zlín-based](/source/Zl%C3%ADn) company [Baťa](/source/Bata_Corporation), it started to produce glider and single engine aircraft trainers. Later production expanded to segments of sport and agriculture aircraft. Trainer [Z-XII](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z-XII) became the most popular type of the era.

### Zlínské letecké závody, a.s. (1938–1945)

During the [German occupation of Czechoslovakia](/source/German_occupation_of_Czechoslovakia), the factory was known as **Zlínské letecké závody, a.s.** (Zlin Aviation Works JSC). It produced German trainer types [Klemm Kl 35](/source/Klemm_Kl_35), after the war known as **C-1** in Czechoslovakia, and a low-wing [Bücker Bü 181](/source/B%C3%BCcker_B%C3%BC_181) which was later produced as **Z-181** (military designation **C-6**).

### Zlínavion (1945–1952)

After World War II, the company was nationalised and used its official name **Zlínské letecké závody, a.s. v národní správě** (Zlín Aviation Works JSC under National Administration) and later on, it was incorporated to the **Automobilové závody, národní podnik** (Automotive Works, National Enterprise) as its Otrokovice Plant using its new trade name **Zlínavion**. In mid-Sept 1948, the factory became a part of newly established **Let, národní podnik** (seated in Prague) as its Plant No.7 in Otrokovice (nominally merged with Zlin and renamed to Gottwaldov on 1 January 1949).

### Moravan, n.p. (1953–1989)

In 1953 a new name **Moravan**, was adopted and marked the beginning of the most famous period for the company. Series of [Z-26 Trener](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z_26) were produced in the 1960s and 70s in large numbers for domestic civil and military use as well as export to both eastern and western customers. The type was one of the most popular for modern aerobatics competitions and it contributed to definition of high performance aerobatics specials. Other Zlin aircraft from the time are crop-dusting [Z-37 Čmelák](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z_37), Reliable all-metal trainers, two seat [Z-42/142](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z-42) and four seat [Z-43](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z_43) and a new aerobatics special [Z-50](/source/Zl%C3%ADn_Z-50) which was a next generation aerobatics type replacing the Z-26 series in competitions.

### Moravan a.s. (1990–2006)

The state enterprise was transformed to a joint-stock company after the [fall of the Communist regime](/source/Velvet_Revolution). It continued in production of the Z-42 and Z-43 series but the sales were rapidly falling and the sales network became disorganized as the company organization did not adapt to the market changes from centrally organized eastern markets to the free competition. Also the aircraft design was outdated (mainly engines) and the company could not find customers for its specific advantages (reliability and simple maintenance). The company suffered financial problems in 2002, it was renamed **Moravan-Aeroplanes a.s.** and it continued production of upgraded variants of Z-242L and Z-143L with improved wing design and [Lycoming engines](/source/Lycoming_Engines). It also prepared the Z-143Lsi variant with [fuel injection](/source/Fuel_injection) engine. However, the financial situation became even worse and the company declared bankruptcy in 2005. In December 2006, the company was taken over by **CzechAircraft, s. r. o.** owned by Irish QucomHaps Holding Ltd. represented by Billy Harkin and renamed **Moravan Aviation s.r.o.**

### Moravan Aviation s.r.o. (2006–2010)

The production line has not changed and the backbone of the company activities were Z-143L and Z-242L, followed by the finally certified variant of Z-143LSi. The business was also extended with sub-deliveries to other aircraft factories in the Czech Republic like [Aero Vodochody](/source/Aero_Vodochody) and [LET Aircraft Industries](/source/Let_Kunovice). But the revival was short-lived and the famed company was closed due to long-term poor financial results and management in March 2010.[1]

### Zlin Aircraft a.s. (2009–present)

**Zlin Aircraft a.s.** was founded in July 2009 with a goal to take over the production of the Zlin aircraft. It bought all the rights to manufacture the current line of the Z-143L, Z-242L and Z-143Lsi as well as buildings, materials and personnel from Moravan Aviation. The company possesses all necessary certificates issued either by EASA or by local State authorities and/or ministries. Another notable activity is maintenance and overhauls of the Zlin aircraft which are still very popular.

Zlin 42M

## Products

### Aircraft

Model name First flight Number built Type Zlín Z-I 1933 11 Glider Zlín Z-II 1933 1 Glider Zlín Z-III 1933 1 Glider Zlín Z-IV 6 Glider Zlín Z-V 121 Glider Zlín Z-VI 28 Glider Zlín Z-VII Akela 2 Glider Zlín Z-VIII Šidlo 1934 2 Glider Zlín Z-IX Pošták 1 Light aircraft Zlín Z-X (I) Ultralight aircraft project Zlín Z-X (II) 1936 3 Glider Zlín Z-XI 1935 1 Light aircraft Zlín Z-XII 1935 201 Single engine sport airplane Zlín Z-XIII 1937 1 Single engine racing aircraft Zlín Z-XV 1939 1 Tourist aircraft Zlín Z-XVIII 1939 1 Light aircraft Zlín Z-XXI Courier aircraft project Zlín 212 1938 51 Improved version of Z-XII with a Walter Mikron engine Zlín Kl 35B 323 Single engine trainer; Klemm Kl 35B built under license Zlín Z-20 1946 1 Twin engine transport Zlín Z-22 Junak 1947 31 Single engine utility airplane developed from the Z-381 Zlín Z-23 Honza 1946 211 Glider Zlín Z-24 Krajanek 1945 301 Glider Zlin Z-25 Šohaj 1947 101 Glider Zlín Z-26 Trener 1947 164 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-28 1947 four-seat utility aircraft project Zlín Z-30 Kmotr 1 Glider Zlín Z-32 Frajir Glider project Zlín Z-33 Derviš Single seat light sport aircraft project Zlín Z-34 1958 twin-boom agricultural aircraft project Zlín Z-35 Heli-Trener 1960 1 Experimental helicopter Zlín Z-36 1960 single seat ultralight project Zlin Z-37 Čmelák 1963 790 Single engine agricultural airplane Zlín Z-38 1963 agricultural autogiro project Zlín Z-39 1963 two-seat trainer project Zlín Z-41 1967 Single engine trainer[2] Zlín Z-42 1967 193 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-43 1968 80 Single engine trainer/touring aircraft; four seat version of Z 42 Zlín Z-44 Projected single-seat aerobatic version of Z-42 Zlín Z-45 Single-seat agricultural aircraft project Zlín Z-46 8-seat, twin engine light aircraft project Zlín Z-47 High-wing, 10-seat turboprop utility aircraft project Zlín Z-48 10-seat, twin-boom pusher aircraft project Zlín Z-50 1975 83 Single engine aerobatic airplane Zlín Z-51 Early 1980s twin-boom trainer project Zlín Z-52 Two-seat basic trainer project Zlín Z-90 Four-seat twin-engine light aircraft project Zlín Z-120 Projected version of Z-20 with retractable landing gear Zlín Z-122 1946 2 Four-seat utility aircraft Zlín Z-124 1949 4+80 Glider Zlín Z-125 Šohaj 2 1950 151 Glider Zlín Z-126 Trener 2 1953 167 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-130 Kmotr 40 Glider Zlín Z-135 1965 1 Experimental helicopter Zlín Z-137 Agro-Turbo Zlín Z-142 1978 364 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-143 1992 56 to 143 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-181 71 Single engine trainer; Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann built under license Zlín Z-192 2 Zlín Z-225 Medâk 1952 1 Glider Zlín Z-226 1955 364 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-242 1990 125 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-281 79 Single engine trainer; Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann built under license Zlín Z-325 Glider project; Z-125 with V-tail Zlín Z-326 1957 436 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-381 315 Single engine trainer; Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann built under license Zlín Z-425 Šohaj 3 1+140 Glider Zlín Z-426 1960 light agricultural aircraft project Zlín Z-526 1965 325 Single engine trainer Zlín Z-626 1967 projected simplified version of Z-526AS Zlín Z-726 Universal 1973 32 Single engine trainer Zlín Bü 181 783 Single engine trainer; Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann built under license Zlín HC 2 1 to 36 Helicopter Zlín HC 102 1 to 36 Helicopter Zlín Herkules H1 6 Zlín Herkules H2 153 Zlín Herkules H3 522 Zlín PLK 5 1

### Engines

- [Persy I](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Persy_I&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Persy II](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Persy_II&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Persy III](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Persy_III&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Toma 4](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toma_4&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Toma 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toma_6&action=edit&redlink=1)

## See also

- [Aero Vodochody](/source/Aero_Vodochody)

- [Avia](/source/Avia_Motors)

- [Beneš-Mráz](/source/Bene%C5%A1-Mr%C3%A1z)

- [Let Kunovice](/source/Let_Kunovice)

- [Letov Kbely](/source/Letov_Kbely)

- [Skyleader](/source/Skyleader)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Detail of Insolvency Proceedings Moravan Aviation s.r.o."](http://isir.justice.cz/isir/ueu/evidence_upadcu_detail.do?id=f3b9755a-bc16-492a-abbd-184279f30e05) *Insolvency Register* (in Czech). Ministry of Justice. Retrieved 22 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Zlin Z-42. 1975. - History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200813110730/https://www.polot.net/en/zlin_z_42_1975r/historia). *Polot*. 14 January 2020. Archived from [the original](http://www.polot.net/en/zlin_z_42_1975r/historia) on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2021.

- ["Central Intelligence Agency Information Report: Production of Jet Aircraft by Bata-Zlin"](http://archive.org/details/CIA-RDP82-00457R004000570010-8). 27 December 1949. Retrieved 23 February 2021.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Moravan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Moravan).

- [ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s.](http://www.zlinaircraft.eu/en) - official site

- Zlin history on www.palba.cz [part 1](http://www.palba.cz/viewtopic.php?t=1548), [part 2](http://www.palba.cz/viewtopic.php?t=1557) (Czech)

- [ZLÍN-AVION Service](http://www.zlin-avion.cz) - popular ZLIN types maintenance company located in Otrokovice

- [Zlin Aviation s.r.o.](http://www.zlinaero.com/eng/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140907230928/http://www.zlinaero.com/eng/) 2014-09-07 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - another not-related company producing Italian Piper Cub replica "Savage".

- [Zlín Aviation Joint Stock Company – Helicopters in Czechia](http://www.vrtulnik.cz/zlin.htm)

v t e Aircraft produced by Zlín and Moravan Manufacturer designations Z-I Z-II Z-III Z-IV Z-V Z-VI Z-VII Z-VIII Z-IX Z-X Z-XI Z-XII Z-XIII Z-13 Z-XIV Z-XV Z-XVI Z-XVII1 Z-XVIII Z-XIX1 Z-20 Z-XXI/21 Z-22 Z-231 Z-24 Z-25 Z-26 Z-271 Z-28 Z-291 Z-30 Z-311 Z-32 Z-33 Z-34 Z-35 Z-36 Z-37 Z-38 Z-39 Z-401 Z-41 Z-42 Z-43 Z-44 Z-45 Z-46 Z-47 Z-48 Z-491 Z-50 Z-51 Z-52 Z-53 through Z-591 Z-60 Z-61 Z-62 through Z-891 Z-90 Z-91 through Z-1121 Z-113 Z-114 through Z-1191 Z-120 Z-1211 Z-122 Z-1231 Z-1241 Z-125 Z-126 Z-127 through Z-1341 Z-135 Z-1361 Z-137 Z-138 through Z-1411 Z-142 Z-143 Z-144 through Z-1801 Z-181 Z-182 through Z-2111 Z-212 Z-213 through Z-2241 Z-225 Z-226 Z-227 through Z-2411 Z-242 Z-243 through Z-2801 Z-281 Z-282 through Z-3111 Z-312 Z-313 through Z-3241 Z-325 Z-326 Z-327 through Z-3801 Z-381 Z-382 through Z-3991 Z-400 Z-401 through Z-4251 Z-426 Z-427 through Z-5251 Z-526 Z-527 through Z-6251 Z-626 Z-627 through Z-7251 Z-726 By name Akrobat Čmelák Derviš Junak Savage Šohaj Trener Trener-Master 1 Unknown/not assigned

v t e Bata Corporation Bata family Tomáš Baťa (founder) Jan Antonín Baťa Thomas J. Bata Sonja Bata Associated places Anaurilândia Batadorp Bataguassu Batayporã Batanagar Batapur Batawa Borovo Partizánske Svit Zlín Baťa's Skyscraper Tomas Bata University in Zlín Former properties Bata shoe factory Bata Shoes Head Office Related 4318 Baťa Bata Shoe Museum Zlin Aircraft

Authority control databases International VIAF National Czech Republic 2 3

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Zlin Aircraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlin_Aircraft) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlin_Aircraft?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.